Steve Kragthorpe the Head Coach of the Louisville CardinalsSteve Kragthorpe, a distinguished figure in college football coaching, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 59. According to the Louisville Courier Journal’s Alexis Cubit, LSU spokespeople have confirmed Kragthorpe’s death, following his long battle with Parkinson’s disease, which was diagnosed in 2011.
Kragthorpe’s football journey began as a quarterback at Eastern New Mexico and West Texas, laying the foundation for a career that would see him leave a significant mark on the sport. His coaching career commenced at Northern Arizona, where he quickly ascended from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in 1992. Two years later, he took on a similar role at North Texas.
His career trajectory continued upward as he spent a season coaching quarterbacks at Boston College before joining Texas A&M. Under head coach R.C. Slocum, Kragthorpe served as the offensive coordinator for three years, refining his craft and preparing for his foray into the NFL.
Kragthorpe’s stint with the Buffalo Bills began with a challenging 3-13 season as offensive coordinator. However, the team’s fortunes improved significantly in 2002, finishing with an 8-8 record and averaging 23.7 points per game. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who had recently joined from the New England Patriots, threw for 4,359 yards and 24 touchdowns, showcasing Kragthorpe’s impact on the offensive unit.
Returning to the college ranks, Kragthorpe took the helm as head coach at Tulsa, where he transformed a struggling program into a competitive force. The Golden Hurricane, who had previously won just two games in two seasons, achieved a 29-22 record during Kragthorpe’s four-year tenure, which included three bowl game appearances and a 2005 Liberty Bowl victory over Fresno State. In recognition of his contributions, Tulsa inducted Kragthorpe into its Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Kragthorpe’s final head coaching role was at Louisville, where he led the Cardinals to a 15-21 record from 2007 to 2009. His first season was marked by an impressive offensive output, with the team averaging 35.2 points per game.
Initially hired as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2011, Kragthorpe’s role was impacted by his Parkinson’s diagnosis, leading him to transition to an assistant role.
Steve Kragthorpe’s legacy is defined by his ability to elevate the programs he led, from his early days in coaching to his successful tenures at Tulsa and Louisville. His impact on the game and his resilience in the face of illness are a testament to his character and dedication.
