Tom Bresnahan, a coveted NFL coach, passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 90.
The ex-NFL coach Tom Bresnahan is survived by his four children: Tom and his wife Barb, Chuck and his wife Andrea, Dan and his wife Lynne, and Denise.
Tom Bresnahan is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elaine (Evans), parents, James and Margaret, their infant son James, and his siblings, James F. Bresnahan, S.J., and Dr. Daniel J. Bresnahan.
Tom Bresnahan married Elaine Theresa Bresnahan in 1957. They remained married for over six decades, 63 to be precise, until Elaine’s demise.
Born on September 27, 1935, Elaine passed away on June 6, 2020, at the age of 84.
She was a breast cancer survivor and a member of the first class of women to graduate from Boston College in 1956.
Elaine was an elementary school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education from Plymouth State College.
In addition to his children, Tom left behind his granddaughters Megan (Ben), Caitlin (Chris) Moore, Lindsey (Justin), Keri (Matt) LaValley, Sarah, Caroline (Alex), and Danielle; and step-grandchildren Eddie (Mandy) Raidt, Emily (Darick) Crumbly, and Virginia Russell.
He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Madi and Leo LaValley, step-great-grandchildren Tiller and Tenley Raidt, and Nora Crumbly, as well as an extensive extended family on both the Bresnahan and Evans sides.
Ex-NFL Coach Tom Bresnahan Boasted a 41-Year Coaching Career!
Tom Bresnahan was born on January 21, 1935, in Springfield, Massachusetts, as the youngest child to his parents, James and Margaret Bresnahan.
He began his 41-year coaching career in 1956, serving as the line coach at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
From 1957 to 1959, Tom served in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he also coached the base team.
After his military service, Tom continued his coaching career at Holyoke High School in Massachusetts while earning a master’s degree in education from Springfield College in 1960.
He then accepted the head coaching position at Drury High School in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Tom’s college coaching career began in 1963 at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he coached the offensive and defensive lines.
Later, in 1968, Tom moved to Columbia University in New York, New York, as the offensive line coach.
Whereas, Tom’s professional coaching career began in 1973 when he was hired by George Welsh at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
In 1981, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs under Marv Levy, marking the starting of a 16-year professional career.
Tom also coached for the New York Giants, the St. Louis Cardinals (later Arizona Cardinals), and the Buffalo Bills.
During his time with the Bills, he served as the offensive coordinator for five seasons and helped the team win four consecutive AFC Championships and make multiple Super Bowl appearances.
After retiring from football following the 1997 NFL season, Tom dedicated himself to his passion for golf.
He and his wife Elaine traveled extensively, visiting family and friends across the country on countless road trips.
Likewise, his academic achievements were also impressive. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1956.
