Don James, college football coach, dead at 80

SEATTLE -- Don James arrived in Seattle in the mid-1970s as an unknown. He built a Hall of Fame coaching career, turning the University of Washington into a powerhouse program that won a share of a national championship.

No wonder he'll forever be referred to around the school as "The Dawgfather." James, the longtime Washington coach who led the Huskies to a share of the 1991 national title, died at his home yesterday from the effects of pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

James had been undergoing treatment for the disease since late September.

James was 176-78-3 as a head coach at Kent State and Washington. He went 153-58-2 with the Huskies from 1975-92 and led the school to a six-pack of Rose Bowl appearances. His crowning moment came in 1991 when Washington had the most dominant defense in the country, and beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl to finish 12-0. The Associated Press media poll gave Miami -- James' alma mater -- the national championship, while the coaches voted in favor of Washington in their poll.

"His accomplishments as a football coach stand alone, but what made him truly special is the quality of man he was away from the game," current Washington coach Steve Sakrisian said. "The guidance and leadership he instilled into this program and community are still felt today, and will continue to be felt here for a long, long time."

James' image was displayed on the video board outside the entrance to Husky Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Thoughts poured over social media from former players, fellow coaches and fans who watched the Huskies program rise under James' leadership.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol, their three children and 10 grandchildren. The school said details on a public memorial service would be released at a later date.

James served as a commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was an assistant coach at Florida State, Michigan and Colorado. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

James remained connected to the Huskies' program. He was a regular visitor at practices after his resignation and served on the committee that helped in the redesign of Husky Stadium. James gave his annual preseason speech to the current Washington squad in August and attending the first game at the renovated stadium on Aug. 31 against Boise State. It was shortly after that his health took a significant turn.