Former Purdue football coach, Joe Tiller, dies at age 74
The winningest football coach in Purdue history, Joe Tiller, died Saturday morning in Buffalo, Wyo., at the age of 74, the school announced.
Tiller posted a record of 87-62 as head coach of the Boilermakers from 1997-2008. His 149 games as coach are also the most in school history.
Sixty-four of Tiller's former players went on to play in the NFL, and his most notable student addressed the passing of his former coach.
"Today is a very sad day for me and the entire Purdue family," said Drew Brees, who played for Tiller from 1997 to 2000. "Coach Tiller was an important person in my life and to so many other guys who played for him. He did so much more than teach us how to win. He taught us life lessons and how to be great leaders and men. My thoughts and prayers are with Arnette, Julie, Renee and Mike."
Purdue compiled a dismal record of 54-107-5 in the 15 seasons prior to Tiller taking command. His adaptation of the spread offense led to 10 bowl games and an average of more than seven wins per season, including an appearance in the 2001 Rose Bowl and a Big Ten championship in 2000.
Tiller was awarded Purdue's Order of the Griffin for extraordinary commitment to the university and named head coach emeritus by the school's board of trustees. He was named to the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
"The entire Purdue football family is saddened to learn of the passing of coach Joe Tiller," current Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm said. "The respect he garnered from both his former players and the Purdue community speaks volumes for his contributions to the game and this university. He molded together a blueprint for success for Purdue football and pursued his vision in a way that players and fans were able to embrace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tiller family."
Despite the impressive resume, football was always a second priority for Tiller.
"People ask me about my legacy at Purdue, and I guess I see myself as a guy who came in and fit the place, and the place fit him - a man of the people," Tiller said in 2008. "I've always prided myself on being able to get along with anybody, whether they are a major donor or someone who comes to one game a year. I've tried to respect everybody, so I would like my legacy to be that I was a good guy who could also coach football."