Former OSU Coach Earl Bruce Dies

Former Ohio State football coach Earl Bruce has died at his home in Columbus. The college football hall of fame member was 87 years old. His four daughters released a statement on the loss of a “wonderful husband, father, grandfather and respected coach to many.” Bruce followed Wood Hayes as coach and compiled an 81-26-1 record. His teams won or shared in four Big Ten titles between 1979 and 1987. He also coached at Tampa, Colorado State, Iowa State and Northern Iowa. His career record was 154-90-2. He earlier coached high school football in Ohio.   Bruce’s Ohio State playing career was cut short by injury. Hayes encouraged him to get into coaching. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Jean.