The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Former Washington coach Lambright dies
SEATTLE » Former Washington football coach Jim Lambright has died at age 77, the school announced on March 29.
Lambright spent nearly four decades associated with the Washington program as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of Coach Lambright’s passing. Coach Lambright is synonymous with Husky football and he gave so much to this program both as a player and coach,” Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement.
“My love for the University
of Washington was sparked during Coach’s tenure on our football staff and I’m grateful for the impact he had on so many. I’d like to extend heartfelt condolences to his family, former players, teammates and coaches.”
No cause of death was given. Lambright was arrested in 2014 and at that time his family stated he was suffering from dementia and his condition was worsening.
Lambright’s association with Washington started in 1960 after graduating from nearby Everett High School. He lettered three seasons with the Huskies from 1962-64, and earned all-Pacific Coast Conference honors in 1964 as a defensive end.
Lambright returned to Washington in 1969 to work on the coaching staff of Jim Owens. Lambright was retained by Don James when he arrived in 1975 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1978.
Lambright became the architect of some of the best defenses in the country during his tenure as Washington’s defensive coordinator, highlighted by the 1991 team that shared the national title.
He was promoted to head coach just before the start of the 1993 season after James abruptly retired in the wake of sanctions placed on the school by the Pac-10. He was 44-25-1 as head coach.