Former Washington football coach Jim Lambright dies at 77

Former Washington football coach Jim Lambright has died at 77, school anunced on Sunday.

Lambright spent nearly four deces associated with Washington program as a player, assistant coach and he coach.

“I'm deeply sdened by news of Coach Lambright's passing. Coach Lambright is synymous with Husky football and he gave so much to this program both as a player and coach,” Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement.

“My love for University of Washington was sparked during Coach's tenure on our football staff and I'm grateful for impact he h on so many. I'd like to extend heartfelt condolences to his family, former players, teammates and coaches.”

cause of death was given. Lambright was arrested in 2014 and at that time his family stated he was suffering from dementia and his condition was worsening.

Lambright’s association with Washington started in 1960 after gruating from nearby Everett High School. He lettered three seasons with Huskies from 1962-64, and earned all-Pacific Coast Conference hors in 1964 as a defensive end.

Lambright returned to Washington in 1969 to work on coaching staff of Jim Owens. Lambright was retained by Don James when he arrived in 1975 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1978.

Lambright became architect of some of best defenses in country during his tenure as Washington’s defensive coordinator, highlighted by 1991 team that shared national title with Miami.

He was promoted to he coach just before start of 1993 season after James abruptly retired in wake of sanctions placed on school by Pac-10.

Lambright was 44-25-1 as Huskies he coach and never h a losing record, but was fired following 1998 season. Washington’s best season under Lambright came in 1995 when it shared Pac-10 title but missed out on a trip to Rose Bowl.

Lambright was part of a line of future college football coaches from Everett, Washington, area that included Mike Price, Keith Gilbertson and Dennis Erickson.

"Coach Lambright was a legend at UW, particularly when it came to playing kind of physical, aggressive defense that his teams were kwn for,” Washington coach Jimmy Lake said. “He was always supportive of program that he loved so much. His impact on Husky football will t be forgotten.”

(Picture credit: AP)