George Welsh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85. The legendary former UVA coach retired in 2000 as the ACC’s winningest coach, taking a program that had posted two winning seasons in the previous three decades to a bowl game in his third year on the job, and leading the ‘Hoos to a three-week run as the #1 team in the land in 1990.
Tributes are pouring in from around Wahoo Nation and the greater sports world.
I’m saddened to learn of the passing of a great man, my UVA Football head coach, George Welsh
He had his quirks that that would make us laugh, but he was such a strong teacher and motivator, and always got the best out of us.
Rest In Peace, coach 🙏🏽@UVAFootball— Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) January 4, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of George Welsh. He came to Appalachia VA, sat in my living room and told me I would play as a true freshman and he would give me every opportunity to make it to the NFL. The best coach I've ever played for. Rest well Coach Welsh. https://t.co/HpKPJclftB
— Thomas Q. Jones (@thomasqjones) January 4, 2019
The man who first noticed a young kid from Newport News, Va and extended an opportunity for me to better myself & my future. This one hurts. Rest In Paradise Coach 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/OAxf7S1oHx
— Elton Brown (@coacheltonbrown) January 4, 2019
A man who spoke very few words but impacted so many lives. Although I never got to play for you coach, thank you for being the first to believe I could play QB on the college level. We’ll miss you coach Welsh‼️ Rest In Peace 🙏🏾 https://t.co/rpm9wzsKtP
— Marques Hagans (@coachmhagans) January 4, 2019
Forever grateful for Coach! https://t.co/c14TLB9woh
— Ahmad Hawkins 🤫🤫 (@IAmBallHawk) January 4, 2019
RIP to a UVA legend https://t.co/KvMdyxcpSZ
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) January 4, 2019
I am saddened to hear that Coach Welsh passed away this week. My condolences go out to his family. He was a true pioneer for UVA football and provided the model of success we are working hard to replicate. We will miss his frequent visits to the football offices.
— Bronco Mendenhall (@UVACoachBronco) January 4, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Kate, Duffy, Matt, Adam and the Welsh Family. I cherished the opportunity to visit with Coach about UVA football. I asked a ton of questions and he graciously answered all of them. He was always willing to help. RIP Coach. https://t.co/JJSETUtWPs
— Carla G. Williams (@ADWilliamsUVA) January 4, 2019
Just heard the news on George Welsh. Not sure it is possible to understand the remarkable turnarounds he engineered at both Navy and Virginia. First football game I ever covered for The Post was Navy at UConn. George went out of his way to make me comfortable postgame.
— John Feinstein (@JFeinsteinBooks) January 4, 2019
Former UVa football coach George Welsh dies | UVa sports news | https://t.co/yE8PehmjPJ A really good guy, and underrated Head Coach of his time George Welsh. His best teams of the late 80’s I had the pleasure of covering. May he RIP. 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/shD1SG2kNC
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) January 4, 2019
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Coach George Welsh. Our thoughts are with his family & friends during this time. Welsh served as an assistant coach at Penn State from 1964-72. https://t.co/BSpvTuD1Zd
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 4, 2019
Condolences to the family of Coach Welsh.
Coach Welsh made UVA better in every way, and in turn, pushed VT to improve its program as well.
He showed us all that Virginia HS kids could play championship football.
At Navy and at UVA he won with class. https://t.co/HEjZmWzt1J
— Bill Roth (@BillRoth_) January 4, 2019
George Welsh accomplished what everyone said was impossible — win at UVA in football. Before GW, ‘Hoos had never been to a bowl, won an ACC title, recruited #1 player in the nation or ranked #1. He put UVA f’ball on the map. RIP ‘Ol Cap tosser! #Wahoowa https://t.co/mgcTHjbMDX
— Mike Lewis (@Mikeysurf) January 4, 2019
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