When we posted the sad news of the passing of Bob Elliott on Sunday, we said that the college football community lost one of the great ones. The reactions of his former players and colleagues on the Notre Dame coaching staff really shine a light on just how much of an impact he had on the lives of all those he interacted with.
Rest in peace, Coach E.
Notre Dame & Former Player Reactions
We compiled some reactions from official Notre Dame staff below, but the player reactions deserved to come first. So many former Notre Dame players posted some heartfelt messages to “Coach E” yesterday that make it clear just how big of an impact he had on the lives of the young mean he coached. A common theme among all of the messages are Elliott believing in the player when they player might not have believed in themselves whether it be for injury or other reasons.
Perhaps the most heart felt post we found came from Drue Tranquill. Tranquill’s battles with back to back ACL injuries are well documented and the senior is now a Notre Dame captain with a large role in the Notre Dame defense. Many also forget that Tranquill had to wait a long time for Notre Dame to offer.
I'm going to miss you, but I know you will be watching over us in love. Rest in Peace Coach E..?☘️ pic.twitter.com/1roPLTqNl1
— Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) July 9, 2017
Avery Sebastian battled injuries throughout his pre-Notre Dame career and then again during his two year graduate transfer stint with Notre Dame.
When nobody had faith in me you did. I remember crying in your office & u helped me pull through. Look over us & Rest In Peace Coach Elliot
— Avery Sebastian (@JimThqrpe4) July 9, 2017
Tommy Kraemer‘s post showed the lighter side of Elliott and how well we connected with his players.
One of the best men I've ever met. Rest easy Coach E. pic.twitter.com/ll8u1Uliil
— Tommy Kraemer (@Big_TK78) July 9, 2017
Notre Dame linebacker Nyles Morgan whose path to the starting lineup took longer than many felt it should.
Thankyou Coach Elliot, you were always there to pick me up whenever I struggled. You saw more in me than I saw in myself at times. Rest well https://t.co/OyIIQWBSkb
— Nyles Morgan (@nylesmorgan_5) July 9, 2017
Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes with a picture from a Notre Dame camp during his recruitment.
His calling on Earth was to recognize and inspire the greatness of others, and he did so using football as his ministry. R.I.P. Coach ~ pic.twitter.com/tnDaedbgJK
— Daelin Hayes (@DaelinHayes_IX) July 9, 2017
Former Notre Dame linebacker Josh Barajas who just transferred this spring.
Man nothing but positive energy ever came from this man. Rest in paradise coach ?? https://t.co/FjK5DFgWMa
— Josh Barajas (@ScoopNScore11) July 9, 2017
Former Notre Dame great Jaylon Smith.
Rip to one of the most calmest men I've ever met. Love you forever coach E❤️?? pic.twitter.com/qiys46fPBM
— Jaylon Smith (@thejaylonsmith) July 10, 2017
Former defensive back Devin Butler who battled through injuries and off the field issues during his time at Notre Dame.
#RestInPeace Coach Elliott ? a lot of people won't understand the impact you had on the lives of so many young men. You will be missed
— Devin Butler (@DevinButler_12) July 9, 2017
RIP Coach Elliot! Was a great coach and an even better man!
— Miles Boykin (@MBoykin814) July 9, 2017
Reactions from Notre Dame staff and University officials
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly on the passing of former Irish assistant coach Bob Elliott… pic.twitter.com/nzH0VSfms8
— Michael Bertsch (@SteelersPRMike) July 9, 2017
Bob Elliott was in a class by himself – a great husband, father, grandfather, coach & man.
He made everyone better & I'll miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/QyqYNrwL7r
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) July 9, 2017
Coach E was the best. We love him and will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Joey, and the rest of the family. pic.twitter.com/eLtHCVqnwK
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/CoachTracyND/status/884072364434239488
Brian Polian only crossed paths with Elliott briefly.
The way players have spoken about Bob Elliott today is a great reminder of the positive influence a special coach can have on young people!
— Brian Polian (@BrianPolian) July 10, 2017
Former Notre Dame assistant Scott Booker.
Thank you for everything Coach E
Ur example/friendship meant more to me than u know
I want to thank your wife Joey for sharing you with us pic.twitter.com/9U3ZSEkYxj— Scott Booker (@CoachSBooker) July 9, 2017
Coach E, your legacy as a football coach and as a man is unrivaled. I’ll always cherish the QB meetings of 2015. This photo says it all. RIP pic.twitter.com/YkYrFOd9Lz
— Mike Sanford (@Coach_Sanford2) July 9, 2017
Another former Notre Dame assistant – Tony Alford.
God Bless Bobby Elliott and his family!! You will be missed Bob!! #RIPBobbyElliott
— Coach Tony Alford (@CoachTonyAlford) July 9, 2017
Iowa posted the following tribute. Elliott spent many years coaching the Hawkeyes and may have been their head coach had it not been for one of the many health battles Elliott faced.
In Memory of Bob Elliott https://t.co/lVoDPSBSi7
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) July 9, 2017
