John Madden’s Great Legacy at SDSU
Famous NFL head coach, San Diego State College Football head coach, and Former Physical Education Assistant Professor, John Madden passed away on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85. He was a rookie player for the NFL in 1958 when he suffered a permanent knee injury. He began his coaching career at Allen Hancock College and later at San Diego State College. He worked with Don Coryell, and he was the Aztec’s defensive coordinator and assistant coach from 1965-1966. A the same time, Madden was also an assistant professor for the Physical Education department at San Diego State College. He was later hired by the Oakland Raiders as an assistant coach in 1967, becoming the youngest coach at 32. After retiring from coaching, he became a famed football broadcaster and commentator. Madden left a great legacy at SDSU as well as with the NFL.
