A Legacy of Faith and Football: Remembering Gerry Faust, the Coach Who Changed Lives
In a profound loss to the football community, Gerry Faust, the legendary coach who transformed Archbishop Moeller High School into a national powerhouse before leading Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish, passed away on Monday at the age of 89.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Faust’s journey in football began as a quarterback at the University of Dayton. But it was his remarkable 18-year tenure at Cincinnati’s Moeller High School that would define his legacy and change the landscape of high school football forever.
Under Faust’s leadership, Moeller became unstoppable. His impressive record of 178 wins against just 23 losses included four national titles and five Ohio state championships in his final six seasons. These weren’t just wins on a scoreboard; they were victories that shaped young men’s lives.
“Coach Faust treated everyone with respect, from the lowest man on the team to the top booster and best player,” shared Steve Sylvester, a 1971 Moeller graduate who later played for Notre Dame and the Oakland Raiders. “His unmatched energy, deep Catholic faith, love for family, daily work ethic, and incredible optimism tell the story of a unique and incredible man.”
Faith was the cornerstone of Faust’s coaching philosophy. Before games, he would drive team captains to Mount Adams, stopping at Wendy’s for dinner before climbing the steps to Immaculata Church to pray the rosary together. This blend of faith and football became a hallmark of his coaching style.
In 1980, Faust achieved what seemed impossible—jumping directly from high school to become the head coach at Notre Dame. While his five seasons with the Fighting Irish didn’t match his high school success, finishing with a 30-26-1 record, his unwavering spirit never dimmed.
His impact extended far beyond the field. “Coach Faust embodied all that it means to be a Man of Moeller,” said Carl Kremer, Moeller’s interim president. “He inspired his players to be men of faith and character who pursued academic excellence and pushed one another to succeed.”
Even NFL legend Tim Brown credits Faust for his career path. If not for Faust’s recruitment, Brown—who became Notre Dame’s most recent Heisman Trophy winner in 1987—might never have worn the golden helmet.
After Notre Dame, Faust coached nine seasons at the University of Akron, showing the same dedication and spirit that marked his entire career. In June 2024, he received a fitting tribute with his induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
His family’s statement captured his essence perfectly: “Throughout an extraordinary life driven by an unwavering and deep devotion to his Catholic faith, he was a beloved mentor to countless young men both on and off the playing field. His work ethic, optimism, leadership, and humility were legendary.”
His wife, the former Marlene Agruso, their three children, and six grandchildren survive him. But his true family extends far beyond—to the thousands of players, students, and lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
Moeller’s director of community engagement, Barrett Cohen, put it simply: “We never forget people like Gerry Faust.” Indeed, his legacy of faith, perseverance, and unwavering optimism will continue to inspire future generations both on and off the football field.