Charlotte OL coach Phil Ratliff dies at 44
Charlotte offensive line coach Phil Ratliff died Sunday, the program announced. Ratliff, 44, was hospitalized last Monday after suffering a “cardiac event.”
Ratliff, who also served as the 49ers’ recruiting coordinator, had been with the Charlotte program since its inception in 2012. Under Ratliff’s guidance, the 49ers’ offensive line led the way for an offense that averaged 484.4 yards per game and allowed just 12 sacks in 2014.
“The Charlotte 49ers regretfully announce the passing of assistant coach Phil Ratliff,” the athletic department said in a statement.
“He was surrounded by family and friends. His adoring wife, Jenni, was by his side. He was an amazing man and was loved by all who knew him. We appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers for the Ratliff family. They are beyond grateful for the overwhelming love and support. The family appreciates your respect for their privacy during this difficult period.”
A native of Louisa, Ky., Ratliff was a two-time All-American as an offensive lineman at Marshall, where he served as team captain on the 1992 Thundering Herd team that won the I-AA national title.
Following 10 years of coaching high school football in Kentucky and West Virginia, Ratliff was an assistant at James Madison for two seasons (2004-05) and coached tight ends at Marshall for six seasons (2006-11) before landing at Charlotte.
Ratliff is survived by his wife, Jenni, and children, Haley and Dylan.
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