Gerry Faust, the former Notre Dame football coach who was hired straight out of high school, died Monday. He was 89.

From 1981 to 1985, Faust led the Fighting Irish to a 30-26-1 record before resigning at the end of his fifth season. Known for his grave, yet higher-pitched voice, Faust’s era was filled with big moments and wild inconsistency. In his debut in 1981, the Irish defeated LSU, 27-9, and a year later stopped No. 1 Pittsburgh with quarterback Dan Marino, 31-16. They played in a pair of bowl games with a win against Boston College in the 1983 Liberty Bowl. But Notre Dame also had two losing seasons and never finished above 7-5 during his five-year tenure.

In 1980, Irish brass hired Faust after an incredible high school career at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. In 19 seasons, Faust compiled a record of 178-23-2. Faust, a devout Roman Catholic, called Notre Dame at his opening press conference “the only college job I would consider.” The job I prayed for. The job at Notre Dame.”

Gerry Faust, #NotreDame football coach from 1981-85, has died at the age of 89. pic.twitter.com/5nj3fR1Cnb

— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 12, 2024

As school officials considered whether to bring Faust back for a sixth year, the coach opted to resign four days before the 1985 season finale in Miami. He told a South Bend Tribune reporter, “I don’t like to think about quitting, but about changing direction.” Faust then coached the Irish to an embarrassing 58-7 loss to the Hurricanes, who were accused of running up the score.

The following season, Notre Dame hired Lou Holtz to replace Faust. In 1988, Holtz guided the Irish to the national championship.

In 1986, Akron hired Faust, who guided the program through its transition from I-AA to Division I football a year later. Faust led the Zips to a 43-53-3 record in nine seasons.

(Photo: George Gojkovich/Getty Images)