A former college basketball head coach who led his team to a Final Four has passed away at the age of 89.
Tom Young, who led Rutgers to a Final Four in 1976, died this week. He had reportedly been battling some ailments, though his specific cause of death isn’t known.
The former Rutgers head coach led the team to a Final Four and presided over arguably the most-successful run in school history. Young was the Scarlet Knights’ head coach for 12 seasons.
“It’s pretty hard to take,” ex-Rutgers star Eddie Jordan texted to the Asbury Park Press. “I loved him like a father.”
I’m sorry to report former Rutgers coach Tom Young has died. Led the Scarlet Knights to the 1976 Final Four. https://t.co/vnm5spe1JO via @asburyparkpress
— Jerry Carino (@NJHoopsHaven) March 20, 2022
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Young coached Rutgers from 1973-85. He went 239-116 with four NCAA Tournament appearances and five conference titles.
You rarely saw Tom Young crouch on the #Rutgers sideline without his trusty towel in his hand or draped over his shoulder.
He took the Scarlet Knights to four NCAA tournaments including a Final Four and a Sweet 16, a team that he admitted should have gone further… pic.twitter.com/7ulGjnNM9m
— Jon Newman (@jonnew) March 20, 2022
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Our thoughts are with Tom Young’s friends and family members during this difficult time.