Remembering Coach Bob ElliottRemembering Coach Bob Elliott
Football

Remembering Coach Bob Elliott

Statement from Head Coach Mike Riley

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Elliott.  Bob was a wonderful man with a great family.  Bob has left an impact on and off the field that will be remembered for many years to come.

“In his short time with our program, Coach Elliott developed a great relationship with the young men in our football program and our staff.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife, Joey, and his entire family during this difficult time.”

Statement from Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco:

“Coach Elliott has been a father figure and mentor to me for almost 30 years. During my life I have met few people that possess the amount of toughness Coach Elliott had, while also possessing the same amount of class. Coach Elliott had unwavering principles and that combination of traits put him in company with very few.”

Statement from the Elliott Family: 

"Bob Elliott, our loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday night, July 8th, 2017.

"Bob devoted his life to serving as a mentor and coach to countless student-athletes.  In his over 40 year career, he was committed to excellence and integrity, sought to bring out the best in everyone, and instilled a sense of hope to all he touched. 

"He was a champion and warrior who was steadfast, dedicated, and selfless.  His pride and joy were his wife, children, grandchildren, and family, and although our hearts are broken, his memory lives on through the men and women who loved him throughout his great life.

"Details for a celebration of his life will be shared soon."

Statement from Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bump Elliott and the Elliott family as they mourn their loss.  Bobby was a terrific person.  He loved his family... he loved to coach... and he loved the Hawkeyes.  He will be missed."

Statement from Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz:

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Bump, Joey, and the entire Elliott family.  Bob was an outstanding individual with the highest integrity as a person, and as a football coach. Along with being an outstanding player and excelling in academics during his Iowa career, Bob was a dedicated coach and family man, always putting others ahead of himself.  Bob touched the lives of many student-athletes, along with those he coached and worked with throughout his career.  Bob was a great Hawkeye and contributed to our program as a player, coach and graduate of the University of Iowa.”

Across social media former players, teams and fans remembered the legacy of Coach Elliott.