Madison County, Virginia, is mourning the death of Edward Lovell “Eddie” Dean Jr., a longtime football coach, athletic director and mathematics teacher who spent decades serving generations of students and athletes.
Dean, widely known as “Coach Dean,” died on September 14, 2026. He was 85.
Born on February 1, 1941, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Dean was the son of Edward Lovell Dean Sr. and Maggie Castle Dean. He graduated from Lane High School in 1959 before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in 1966. He later received a master’s degree in mathematics from James Madison University in 1971.
Dean began his teaching and coaching career at Collegiate School in Richmond in 1966. A year later, he joined Madison County High School, where he would remain for 38 years.
A Coaching Career Remembered Across Virginia
During his long career at Madison County High School, Dean served as a football coach, athletic director and math teacher. His record included 308 victories, along with three state championships, six state runner-up finishes, 12 regional championships and 19 district championships.
His accomplishments earned him a place in the Virginia High School Hall of Fame and the Madison County High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
He also served as president of the Virginia High School Coaches Association and was named National Football Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.
For many former players, however, Dean’s influence extended far beyond football. He was remembered as a teacher, mentor and role model who remained connected with his players years after they graduated. Some former athletes continued to seek his advice as adults, while others eventually watched him coach their own sons.
Dean also remained active in the Madison County community after his coaching career. He served on the Madison County Board of Supervisors from 2007 to 2011 and was chairman for two years. He was among the founders of Hoover Ridge Park and served on the board of directors of the James and Frankie Carpenter Foundation, including as president.
Family and Celebration of Life
Dean and his wife, Anne Nichol Dean, recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. They were also devoted grandparents and regularly attended their grandchildren’s games, plays, concerts and other activities.
Dean is survived by Anne; his children Stuart Dean and wife Cynthia, Corey Dean and wife Heather, Maggie Breeden and husband Ben, and Paula Knight and husband Travis. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and his brother, Phillip Dean and wife Lynn, of Richmond.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Butch Dean.
Dean was a member of Mt. Zion Community Church, where Damon Myers serves as pastor.
A private burial will be held for the family. His Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at 2 p.m. at Wetsel Gymnasium at Madison County High School. Family visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with another visitation period scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. following the service.
Preddy Funeral Home of Madison is handling arrangements.
