Parseghian revived Irish
Ara Parseghian reached the pinnacle of his profession at the University of Notre Dame.
He walked away from coaching at the age of 51 after winning two national championships, though he never really left the Fighting Irish. He built a legacy through philanthropy he hoped would be far more meaningful than any of his many victories.
Parseghian died Wednesday at his home in Granger, Ind., where he lived with Katie Parseghian, his wife of 68 years. He was 94.
Parseghian had recently returned home after spending more than a week in a nursing care facility in South Bend, home of the Fighting Irish. He was treated for an infection in his surgically repaired hip and was receiving round-the-clock care at home.
“Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field,” Notre Dame president Rev. John Jenkins said in a released statement.
Jenkins will preside over a mass for Parseghian on Sunday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of Notre Dame. A public memorial service will be held later at the Joyce Center.
Parseghian took over at Notre Dame in 1964, when the Irish were down. They hadn’t had a winning season in five years and had gone 2-7 in 1963. He quickly restored the Golden Dome’s luster and led the program to national titles in 1966 and 1973. He abruptly retired after the 1974 season, saying he was worn out and ready for a change. Despite offers from other colleges and NFL teams, he never returned to coaching.
His .836 winning percentage puts him third on Notre Dame’s coaching list behind fellow College Football Hall of Famers Knute Rockne (.881) and Frank Leahy (.855). At Notre Dame, they are considered the “Holy Trinity” of coaches. Only Rockne (105, 1918-30) and Lou Holtz (100, 1986-96) won more total games at Notre Dame.