PHILADELPHIA - The Temple University family is saddened by the news that former head coach Wayne Hardin has passed away. The 91-year old Hardin suffered a massive stroke on April 11, according to a university release. He had taken part in Temple Football alumni day festivities on Saturday (April 8) with over 120 former Owls on hand.

“The death of Wayne Hardin closes a very proud chapter in Temple University history,” said President Richard M. Englert. “There are many alumni who fondly remember cheering Coach Hardin’s teams to victory. And for those of us who knew him, Coach Hardin was a caring man whose commitment to Temple football was exceeded only by his concern for his student athletes. 

“The Temple community mourns his loss, and sends our thoughts and prayers to Wayne’s family,” said Englert.

The president’s thoughts were echoed by others at Temple.

“Wayne Hardin is synonymous with Temple Football,” said Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. “He was a giant of a man, who touched so many lives not only as a Hall of Fame coach but as an ambassador for the University.  His love for life was only surpassed by his love for his family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.”

“It's a very sad day for the Temple University Football Family with the loss of Coach Hardin,” said Temple Football coach Geoff Collins.  “It was an absolute honor having him at Alumni Day this past Saturday with his former players who were able to show how much love and respect they have for their legendary coach. He will be greatly missed within this community and all across college football.”

The winningest football coach in Temple history, Hardin had an 80-52-3 record for 13 seasons (1970-82). He led the 1979 team to the Garden State Bowl where the Owls defeated California for their first bowl win.  That 1979 squad finished 10-2 for the University's most wins ever in a season. That team also was ranked No. 17 in both the AP and UPI polls, the first time the Owls were in the national wire service polls.

Hardin's teams set a Temple record of 14 straight wins (eight in 1973 and six in 1974). He was honored as the 1974 Kodak District II Coach of the Year. He produced numerous All-Americans and NCAA statistical leaders at Temple. Hardin was inducted into Temple's Hall of Fame in 1994.  He coached numerous future professional players at Temple including New York Jets defensive lineman Joe Klecko, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Randy Grossman, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kevin Ross, San Diego Chargers linebacker Bill Singletary, Denver Broncos wide receiver Steve Watson and New York Jets quarterback Steve Joachim, who won the Maxwell Award in 1974 playing for the Owls.

In 2013, Hardin became the third Temple Owl to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.  He joined former coaches Ray Morrison [1940-48, inducted in 1954] and Glenn S. "Pop" Warner [1933-38, inducted in 1951]. 

Prior to his tenure at Temple, Hardin served as the head coach at the United States Naval Academy from 1959-64 where he led the Midshipmen to appearances in the 1961 Orange Bowl and 1964 Cotton Bowl. At Navy, Hardin coached two Heisman Trophy winners - Joe Bellino (1960) and Roger Staubach (1963). His 1960 Navy team ended the season ranked fourth by the Associated Press with his 1963 squad ending the year second in the AP poll.