Bill Myles, a former assistant football coach and associate athletic director at Ohio State, died Tuesday.
Myles was 83 years old. According to Steve Davis, who co-wrote Myles' autobiography and confirmed Myles' passing on the book's website, Myles had been battling lung issues and was in the hospital for several weeks.
Hired by Woody Hayes as Ohio State's offensive line coach in 1977, Myles remained on the Buckeyes' coaching staff under Earle Bruce through 1984. He then spent 22 years working as an administrator at Ohio State, serving as associate athletic director until his retirement in 2008.
As an offensive line coach, Myles coached several Ohio State greats including All-Americans Chris Ward and Jim Lachey. As an associate athletic director, Myles oversaw a multitude of sports while also launching the degree completion program for student-athletes, which remains in place today.
Before Ohio State, Myles played football at Drake University and was an assistant coach for Tom Osborne at Nebraska.
Myles is survived by his wife Lorita, daughter Debora and son Bill.
After the news of his passing broke on Tuesday afternoon, several former Ohio State football players took to Twitter to pay tribute.
So sad to see the passing of former @OhioStateFB coach Bill Myles... great man and so glad to get to know him in my post playing career.
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) May 12, 2020
He will be sorely missed by #BuckeyeNation
Sad to hearing of the passing of coach Bill Myles. Great man and great #Buckeye.
— Matt Finkes (@MattFinkes) May 12, 2020
“Bill’s impact on student-athletes and coaches was immeasurable,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement. “My first introduction to Bill was when he was an assistant coach and he recruited me. To come full circle and have an opportunity to work with him at OSU was truly a blessing. Our hearts are filled with sadness. Bill will be missed.”
