Former Arizona State Sun Devils head football coach Darryl Rogers has died at age 83, a pair of his former teammates told a Detroit radio station.
Rogers coached ASU's football team from 1980-84 and guided the Sun Devils to a 37-18-1 record during that time, including a Fiesta Bowl appearance during the 1982 season. He also served as the head coach at Michigan State, San Jose State, Fresno State and Cal State Hayward, and he coached the NFL's Detroit Lions from 1985-88.
Former Michigan State football player and ex-Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson was among Rogers' former players to relay the news to WQTX in Michigan.
"We were a crazy group that had a lot of fun and worked hard under his leadership and the coaches' leadership. I'll never forget him. Just another blessing in my life," Gibson told WQTX, per the Lansing State Journal.
Rogers' winning percentage of .670 at ASU is the second-best among Sun Devil head football coaches since 1980. John Cooper, who coached ASU from 1985-87, is tops at .722.
Jeff Van Raaphorst, a former ASU quarterback who played for Rogers in 1984, offered thoughts and prayers to Rogers' wife and children following the news. "A great man, husband and coach. He made us better people," Van Raaphorst said.
Sad news about the passing of former ASU coach Darryl Rogers. Thoughts and prayers to Marsha and the girls. A great man, husband and coach. He made us better people.
— Jeff van Raaphorst (@JvanRaaphorst) July 11, 2018
