Nebraska defensive analyst & former safeties coach Bob Elliott died at the age of 64 on Saturday night in Iowa City. Elliott had a 38 year football coaching career that included stops at Iowa, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Kansas State & most recently Nebraska. He was named the Huskers' safeties coach in February but moved positions in June to defensive analyst because of personal reasons.
Husker players reacted to the news early Sunday morning:
Thank you for everything Coach Elliot, even that short time that was spent it meant a life time ?? Rest Peacefully— Chris Jones (@C_Jon8) July 9, 2017
Limited time with Coach E but he carried so much knowledge and love for the game. Great coach but a phenomenal person... RIP Coach E — Eric Lee Jr. (@Pick6_Lee) July 9, 2017
Elliott worked with current NU defensive coordinator Bob Diaco on the Notre Dame staff in 2012 & 2013.
3 News Now & Omaha Sports Insider conducted one of the last TV interviews with Elliott back in April.
The Iowa City native was a defensive coordinator himself at Iowa from 1996-1998 & at Kansas State from 2002-2005, helping the Wildcats to the 2003 Big 12 Championship. His uncle, Pete Elliott, the head coach at Nebraska in 1956.
Statement from Head Coach Mike Riley:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Elliott. Bob was a wonderful man with a great family. Bob has left an impact on and off the field that will be remembered for many years to come.
“In his short time with our program, Coach Elliott developed a great relationship with the young men in our football program and our staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife, Joey, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Statement from Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco:
“Coach Elliott has been a father figure and mentor to me for almost 30 years. During my life I have met few people that possess the amount of toughness Coach Elliott had, while also possessing the same amount of class. Coach Elliott had unwavering principles and that combination of traits put him in company with very few.”
Bob Elliott played defensive back at Iowa from 1972 to 1975. He is survived by his wife Joey and their children, Grant & Jessica.
