SEATTLE (AP) -- Don James arrived in Seattle in the mid-1970s as an unknown. He built a Hall of Fame coaching career, turning the University of Washington into a powerhouse program that won a share of a national championship.
No wonder he'll forever be referred to around the school as ''The Dawgfather.''
James, the longtime Washington coach who led the Huskies to a share of the 1991 national title, died at his home Sunday from the effects of pancreatic cancer. He was 80.
James had been undergoing treatment for the disease since late September.
James was 176-78-3 as a head coach at Kent State and Washington. He went 153-58-2 with the Huskies from 1975-92 and led the school to a six-pack of Rose Bowl appearances. His crowning moment came in 1991 when Washington had the most dominant defense in the country, and beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl to finish 12-0. The Associated Press media poll gave Miami - James' alma mater - the national championship, while the coaches' voted in favor of Washington in their poll.
''His accomplishments as a football coach stand alone, but what made him truly special is the quality of man he was away from the game,'' current Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said. ''The guidance and leadership he instilled into this program and community are still felt today, and will continue to be felt here for a long, long time.''
Isn't it nice to see some loyalty and dedication to one school, among coaches.
