Longtime University of Utah basketball coach Rick Majerus died Saturday at the age of 64 in Los Angeles.
Majerus had reportedly been in grave health for several weeks and according to USA Today, his death was confirmed by his girlfriend, Angie Kvidera Saturday evening.
Majerus, who was hired by Utah in April of 1989, led the Utes to some of their highest heights in his 15-year stay at Utah, including 10 conference championships and a runner-up finish in the 1998 NCAA Tournament.
He resigned at Utah in the middle of the 2003-04 season due to health concerns and worked as an analyst at ESPN for three years before taking the head job at Saint Louis University. Two weeks ago, it was announced that Majerus would not return as the Billikens coach due to his declining health.
Majerus suffered health problems throughout his tenure at Utah.
Just six games into his first season, Majerus underwent open-heart surgery for a seven-bypass operation and missed the rest of the season. Later his missed the 2000-01 season because of his poor health.
"I heard from Mr. (Jon) Huntsman of Coach Majerus' passing and all of us in the University of Utah community are deeply saddened," Utah Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill. "Rick left a lasting legacy at the University of Utah, not only for his incredible success and the national prominence he brought to our basketball program, but also for the tremendous impact he made on the young men who were fortunate enough to play on his teams. His standard of excellence extended beyond the basketball court and into the academic and personal success of his players. He will be deeply missed and we grieve for his family and all of his friends."
More information will be forthcoming.
