KENNER, La. – One of the Tulane’s most successful former football coaches, Vince Gibson, has died according to a family friend who contacted the athletic department Tuesday morning.
Gibson, in his late 70’s, was diagnosed over the summer with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – or Lou Gehrig’s disease, an incurable form of progressive paralysis.
“I’ve been so, so fortunate,” Gibson told Times-Picayune columnist Peter Finney in an interview this summer. “Great family, wonderful friends, which happens when you spend 23 years living life as a college coach, sometimes making enemies, mostly making friends. I wouldn’t trade it with anyone.”
(This story appeared in The New Orleans Times-Picayune on Jan. 11, 2012.)
Gibson posted a 17-17 record in three years at Tulane’s helm (1980-82). In 1980 he led the Green Wave to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the Hall of Fame Bowl. Arkansas defeated Tulane in the bowl 34-15. Gibson is ranked 12th all-time in school history with a .500 winning percentage.
The respect Gibson garnered off the field is evident by a gathering over the summer that drew some of college’s greatest all-time coaches.
“Best man, hardest working assistant I ever had,” said former Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden of Gibson over the summer.
Bowden and Gibson shared Birmingham, Alabama roots. Bowden handed Gibson his first coaching job as Bowden’s sole assistant at South Georgia College in 1956.
“Vince had the kind of personality that connected with a player right away,” Bowden said in the same summer interview.
Gibson came to Tulane after coaching at Kansas State and Louisville
Gibson left perhaps his biggest impression on the Tulane fan base when he led the Green Wave to 48-7 and 31-28 victories over LSU in 1981 and 1982 respectively.
It was the first time the Greenies had beaten the Tigers back-to-back since 1938-39.
The 1982 31-28 victory gave Tulane its first win in Tiger Stadium in 34 years.
“Best victory I ever had,” said Gibson this summer.
Tulane is expected to release a statement with comments from athletic director Rick Dickson later this afternoon.
Died and Yet ... 