IU Football Coach Terry Hoeppner Dies

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University football coach Terry Hoeppner died Tuesday of complications from a brain tumor, the school said.

The 59-year-old, who underwent two brain surgeries in the past 18 months, died at 6:50 a.m. with his family by his side, the university said. He is survived by his wife, Jane, his three children -- Drew, Amy and Allison -- and his four grandchildren.

Hoeppner had been on medical leave, which began in mid-March. Last week, the university introduced Bill Lynch as the head coach for the 2007 season.

Hoeppner led the Hoosiers for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, compiling a 9-14 record. He was widely regarded to have rejuvenated a long-struggling football program.

He spent the last four months on medical leave.

"Terry's fight was courageous and will serve as an inspiration to those who have known him," IU's Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan said. "This is a truly sad day for our community and all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoeppner family and to those whose lives he has touched."

In 2006, Hoeppner nearly led IU to a bowl appearance. With the youngest roster in the Big Ten that season, the Hoosiers won three conference games for the first time since 2001, including a victory over No. 13 Iowa, which marked the first time an IU team defeated a top-15 squad since 1987.

"I think what Terry did for this team and this university was give a belief to the team and the state that these kids could win," Lynch said after he was announced as coach. "That's one vision we want to carry on."

Before arriving at Indiana, Hoeppner spent 19 seasons at Miami of Ohio, including six as head coach. He led the RedHawks to a 48-25 overall record, finishing in the top three of the MAC East teams each year.

In 2003, Miami won the MAC and GMAC Bowl championships and finished the season ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press poll.

Hoeppner coached 11 eventual NFL players during his career, including Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Looking Back: Hoeppner Brought Passion To IU Football

From his first day on campus, Hoeppner exuded confidence and passion.

"We're going to build, with the foundation you've laid here, ... a championship football team," Hoeppner said in December 2004, when he was announced as coach. "If you play in the Big Ten and you don't aspire to this (holding a rose) ... you're really cheating yourself."

Hoeppner was diagnosed with a brain tumor a year later, in December 2005. After his first surgery, he stayed upbeat.

"If a positive attitude has anything to do with it, which I know it does, you can count me on a scale from one to 10, I'm at 11 right now," Hoeppner said.

A second surgery in the summer of 2006 forced Hoeppner to miss a couple of games, but he returned in time for the Big Ten opener. The Hoosiers came within one win of a bowl berth.

Hoeppner was known as a true football man and a player's coach. He focused on teamwork and getting the most out of his players and family.

"I feel I have an obligation to tell my story. I'm fortunate. I'm blessed. I have a great family," Hoeppner said. "My priorities ... have been rearranged, and football is my passion. It's what I love to do, but my family is first."

Roethlisberger: Hoeppner Was Second Father To Me

Roethlisberger, who played for Hoeppner at Miami of Ohio, said Tuesday that his former coach "inspired me to be who I am today."

"He has been a second father, a teacher and a friend. He believed in me and I owe everything to him for where I am in life," the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said. "I hold the deepest love and respect for him, his wife Jane and their family.

"He has been a role model for so many young men. I aspire to be as honorable and touch as many lives as Coach Hep. I will miss him more than words can describe."