Coaching great Howard Schnellenberger has died at the age of 87, Florida Atlantic University announced on Saturday.
Forever Grateful.
Forever an Owl. pic.twitter.com/SkqUlhOOnO— #WinningInParadise (@FAUAthletics) March 27, 2021
Schnellenberger held head coaching positions with the Baltimore Colts and in college for the University of Miami, University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville, and Florida Atlantic University. He won a national championship with Miami in 1983.
Schnellenberger was an assistant coach at the college and pro levels, including as part of the staff of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.
He is also recruited Joe Namath to Alabama for Bear Bryant in 1961.
Schnellenberger succeeded John Sandusky as head coach of the Baltimore Colts on Feb. 14, 1973. The Colts went 4–10–0 in his one full season but managed to upset the defending Super Bowl champion Dolphins towards the end of the 1973 season. He was fired three games into the next season.
Beverlee Schnellenberger, who is grateful for the 61 years of marriage to Howard and enjoyed every moment of their life together as well as their football journey, expressed the Schnellenberger family’s appreciation, thanking those who have sent love and prayers, especially through the last several weeks and months. The couple met in 1958 and moved through life with Howard referring to Beverlee as either his bride or his assistant head coach.
“Howard always allowed me to be a part of his football life,” said Beverlee. “Watching him on the sidelines was an opportunity that gave us a special closeness – win or lose – that not many wives get. Even though he never smiled, he was always smiling in his heart. We loved all the moves and challenges. I will miss his warm heart, his warm hands and soft kisses. Howard always treated me special, like a queen, and was truly a husband that every Canadian girl dreams of. You will always be my love, now and forever. I’m proud to be your wife. You were a great leader of men and the leader of our lives.”
Coach Schnellenberger (March 16, 1934 – March 27, 2021) touched so many lives and left an impact upon those who were viewed by his steely blue eyes or addressed by his signature baritone voice. His impact will be carried on through today’s leaders and through the strong men and women who were lucky to fall under his tutelage.
A story that explains the how the Schnellenberger Family Foundation came to be can be read if you click here.