Former Nebraska football head coach in mourning after wife passes away

Once a Husker, always a Husker. That’s the saying around the Nebraska football fanbase. It’s with that sentiment in mind that we issue a heartfelt condolences to former head coach Mike Riley.

Riley, who coached for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 2014 to 2017, reportedly lost his wife, Dee Riley this weekend. While he hasn’t made an official announcement, news spread quickly through a surrogate on social media, Sunday evening.

Former Nebraska football head coach in mourning after wife passes away

Kerry Eggers, a long time sportswriter for The Oregonian took to Twitter to make the unfortunate announcement. 

“Dee Riley, wife of ex-@BeaverFootball⁩ coach Mike Riley, has passed away. She was 70,” Eggers wrote. “They were married for 43 years. It was one of the best marriages ever. Dee was the ultimate coach’s wife. She was loyal, supportive, kind and caring with everyone. R.I.P Dee Riley.”

Before coming to Nebraska, Riley was the longtime head coach of the Oregon State Beavers and for a time, was easily that program’s most successful coach as he built them up from being an also-ran in the Pac-12.

Dee was indeed a staple of whatever community her husband belonged to. She was often spotted at University of Nebraska sporting events with the former head coach and could even be seen making her way into the stadium with the football team.

This news is especially painful not just because they were such an obviously loving couple, but because they were both seen as genuinely good people. While Riley’s tenure was not considered a success (despite two bowl trips in three seasons) with the Cornhuskers, he was someone who offered a positive outlook during a dark time in Lincoln that still hasn’t ended.

Just earlier this month, college football veteran writer Mike Farrell wrote about the nicest head coaches he’s ever dealt with. It should come as no surprise the former Nebraska football program leader was No. 2 on the list.

My condolences go out to a very good man and his family who are no doubt dealing with a very heavy heart today.