Former Georgia Southern coach dead

[Tiger in Spain 0]

STATESBORO, Ga. (AP) -- Erk Russell, who led Georgia's "Junkyard Dawg" defense under Vince Dooley and then built a small-college powerhouse of his own at Georgia Southern, died Friday after a car accident, a hospital official said. He was 80.

Russell was brought by ambulance to the Statesboro hospital and pronounced dead on arrival, East Georgia Regional Medical Center chief executive Bob Bigley said. Bigley said Russell's death was not from injuries related to the wreck, adding the examination is not complete.

Georgia State Patrol Cpl. Chris Lacienski said Russell had been in a single-vehicle accident Friday morning.

Russell came to prominence during 17 years as Georgia's defensive coordinator. He left the Bulldogs after their 1980 national championship to build Georgia Southern's first football team since 1941. He won Division I-AA championships in 1985, '86 and '89.

Russell retired after winning the last title, but remained close to the school until a falling-out with former coach Mike Sewak two years ago. Russell cut all ties to Georgia Southern after his son, Rusty, was fired as the defensive coordinator.

Sewak was dismissed after last season, and Russell again became a presence on the Georgia Southern campus with the encouragement of new coach Brian VanGorder, another former defensive coordinator at Georgia.

Russell spoke to the team Thursday, school spokesman Patrick Osterman said. The Eagles open their season Saturday night against Central Connecticut.

Russell had some health problems and several surgeries in the past year but he seemed to be recovering, said Holmes Ramsey, a friend and longtime Southern booster.

He was the inspiration for the Georgia defense that helped the Bulldogs capture the national championship and the first of three straight SEC titles with a perfect 12-0 season.

Russell compiled a record of 83-22-1 in eight seasons as the Eagles coach. He was a three-time I-AA national coach of the year and his final team went 15-0.

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[Lurking Tiger 62]

I met him once in a casino. We played craps for about three hours. He seemed like a good guy. He didn't care at all that I was decked out in Auburn stuff.

Sad loss for the college football world.

[DKW 86 7,425]

We are a little poorer, Heaven a little richer.

Erk Russel, grad and legendary member of staff under Dooley has gone home.

Sad day for the Georgia and Auburn Families.

[WarTim 3,456]

A TRUE "old school" Coach. His teams ALWAYS played hard and would "hit you in the mouth"!

Prayers for his family.

[Draven 0]

Prayers for his family and friends.

[OlderWhiskey 954]

Erskine Russell lettered at Auburn from 1946-49. I think he spent some time on the coaching staff under Shug, but don't have documentation. Helluva ball coach. He left a deep footprint and will be long remembered.

[Guest BoStillKnows]

My dad graduated from Auburn in '49. He was a huge Erk Russell fan. Even while he was coaching at Georgia. That says a lot because my Dad is a loyal man.

[Guest Tigrinum Major]

I just found this thread after being gone late last week.

Did any of you know that he was Auburn's last four sport letterman? Well, now you do.

[saniflush 0]

Did not know that. Geez I don't know how I missed this. He spoke at my high school sports banquet.