Former LSU coach, Florida AD Arnsparger dies
Bill Arnsparger was a longtime Don Shula assistant. (MiamiDolphins.com)
Bill Arnsparger, who was considered by many the architect of the 1972 Miami Dolphins defense, died Friday at the age of 88.
Arnsparger began his coaching career as the defensive line coach at his alma mater, Miami (Ohio) University in 1950. From there, he coached the defensive lines of Ohio State, Kentucky, Tulane and the Baltimore Colts before moving to the Dolphins, where has was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 1970 to 1972 before being promoted to associate head coach for the 1973 season.
Arnsparger’s success with the Dolphins led to him being named head coach of the New York Giants, where compiled a 7-28 record. He then returned to the Dolphins as defensive coordinator from 1976 to 1983 before becoming the head coach at LSU for three years and amassing a 26-8-2 record.
After a six-year break from coaching during which he served as athletic director at the University of Florida athletic director (he hired Steve Spurrier), Arnsparger finished out his NFL career with three years as the defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, helping the team reach Super Bowl XXIX before announcing his retirement in the days following the game.
The Dolphins franchise, former Dolphins head coach Don Shula and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley released statements upon Arnsparger’s passing.
Miami Dolphins
“Bill Arnsparger was a seminal figure in Dolphins history. Along with Coach Shula and so many other great players and coaches, Bill played a pivotal role in establishing the Dolphins as one of the winningest teams in football and flagship franchises in professional sports. Our hearts and prayers go out to his loved ones and friends during this difficult time.”
Don Shula
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Arnsparger who I thought was one of the greatest defensive coaches in football. He molded two championship units, the No-Names and the Killer B’s, and was innovative in the way he used personnel. He pioneered situational substitutions with the ’53’ defense that changed the way the game was played on that side of the ball. If there was a Hall of Fame for assistant coaches, he would be one of the very first inductees. Mary Anne and I want to extend our condolences to B.J. and the entire family.”
Jeremy Foley
“This is a sad day for the Gator Nation. Bill Arnsparger helped right the ship during a very difficult time at the University of Florida.”
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