Iowa State defensive line coach Curtis Bray has passed away at 43 years old, Iowa State has confirmed. According to reports, he collapsed Wednesday morning during a workout. He is survived by his wife and two children, according to the school’s bio.
Curtis Bray, Iowa State assistant coach, dead at 43
Curtis Bray had a long relationship with Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
We lost a great man today in Coach Bray. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. #Cyclones pic.twitter.com/PuA96HqU9V
— Cyclone Football (@CycloneFB) January 15, 2014
Bray was a member of the Cyclones’ coaching staff for five years. He served under current head coach Paul Rhoads even longer, as Bray was the defensive ends and linebackers coach at Pittsburgh at the same time Rhoads was serving as the defensive coordinator for the Panthers, from 2000 to 2006.
He was a linebacker at Pitt during his college days. He found his career in coaching, joining Duquesne as a defensive coordinator, linebackers, and special teams coach in 1993, just one year after graduating college. He made his way up the college coaching ladder, with stops at Western Kentucky, Villanova, and Temple in addition to Pitt and Iowa State.
Bray coached a number of standout players during his career. Form Pitt linebacker H.B. Blades went on to become a starter for the Washington Redskins. Though the Cyclones struggles this past season, defensive lineman Cory Morrissey stood out with 52 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 12 games.
A handful of the many current and former Cyclones paying tribute:
This world was lucky to have Coach Bray. He treated EVERYONE the right way. He will be sorely missed. Lucky I was able to spend 4 yrs w/him.
— Jake Knott (@Jknott20) January 15, 2014 In shock that Coach Bray has passed away this morning. Great man and great coach. Will be missed.
— AJ Klein (@AJKlein47) January 15, 2014 I was fortunate enough to be around Coach Bray for two years... Kills me to know he is gone now. great coach, better person #CycloneFamily
— Austen Arnaud (@ADArnaud4) January 15, 2014 Prayers go out to coach Bray and his family. A great man, and an even better coach.
— Grant Rohach (@grantrohach) January 15, 2014 More from SB Nation college football:
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