Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Ara Parseghian remembered by coaches, former players

Published Aug. 2, 2017 4:23 p.m. ET

Reaction from around college football on the death Wednesday of Ara Parseghian, who won two national titles at Notre Dame and also coached at Northwestern and Miami University, at 94.

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''The college football family lost a legend today. Coach was a giant in our community not only because of what his teams accomplished on the field, but what his players accomplished off it. His impact will be felt for years to come because of the impression he made on so many, including me. Wildcats everywhere are thinking about Katie and the entire Parseghian family on this heartbreaking day.'' - Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.

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''I often sought his advice and he never disappointed me with his unique talent to simplify a complex problem.'' - Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz said in a statement.

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''I learned a great deal from him about discipline and keeping focused on the task at hand. That's probably the biggest thing. He taught me to focus on what's important. When there's a lot going on, much of it doesn't lead to the outcome you're seeking, yet it can be tempting to be very distracted by it all.'' - Former Notre Dame player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page.

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''While most people know him for the incredible successes on the football field, and they are significant, I'm most inspired by the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund and his tireless work toward finding treatment for Niemann-Pick Type C - a devastating disease that took the lives of three of his grandchildren. In my mind, that's Ara's greatest legacy. And what a legacy to leave.'' - Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly.

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''I lost my childhood idol. Ara is one of the all-time greats of our profession.'' - Miami University coach and former Notre Dame assistant Chuck Martin.

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''He's one of these guys that just has that aura about him. You knew you were in the presence of greatness.'' - Former Notre Dame quarterback Terry Hanratty.

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''It was easy to play for a man that we had so much respect for. He had a look about him that was penetrating. His eyes were eyes of steal. He led in calisthenics every day in practice and he led in every other way.'' - Former Northwestern fullback Mike Stock.