Howard Schnellenberger Passes Away at 87

Mark BlankenbakerMarch 27, 2021

Former University of Louisville head football coach Howard Schnellenberger passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 87.

Schnellenberger spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Cardinals from 1985-94, posting an overall record of 54-56-2. Despite his record, his contributions to the program were immeasurable. He inherited a program that had endured six consecutive losing seasons before leading the Cardinals back into the Top 25. He also was influential in helping the program build a 42,000 seat football stadium that has been expanded twice since its inception in 1998. The 60,800-seat facility is the only all chairback stadium in the country.

After going 8–24–1 in his first three years, Schnellenberger was able to turn the program around and go 24–9–1 over the next three seasons. During his 10-year career, he led the Cardinals to a pair of bowl wins. The Cardinals posted a 34–7 win over nationally ranked Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, capping a 10–1–1 season and the school’s first appearance in a final poll (11th). The Fiesta Bowl appearance was the school’s first in a New Year’s Day game. UofL also posted a win over Michigan State in the 1993 Liberty Bowl.

Vice -President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra

“Coach Schnellenberger fostered hope and success in our football program. His legacy lives on as we continue chasing the “variable of time” per his infamous quote. Our best to Beverlee and their extended family.”

Louisville Head Football Coach Scott Satterfield
“I’m very saddened to hear the news of Coach Schnellenberge’s passing today. He was one of the giants in college football and his impact on the sport in the state of Kentucky is immeasurable. The building that we walk through every day was created by the values that he built. Coach Schnellenberger set the standard of leadership for this position and his impact on the game will always be felt at the University of Louisville.”