Tom and his wife, Elaine, had a deep love for traveling. They frequently traveled across the country to visit their family and friends.
Thomas Michael Bresnahan was a notable figure in the NFL coaching world. He was born on January 21, 1935, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He served as an offensive line coach for several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills.
He was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills from 1992 to 1996 when he continued as the offensive line coach.
Moreover, his coaching career spanned from 1981 to 1997, and he was part of the coaching staff for four Super Bowl appearances with the Bills.
After the 1996 season, he was replaced as the offensive coordinator due to the team’s performance.
Tragically, he passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 90. Although the exact cause of his death remains unknown, and no reports indicate any specific health issues, it has been revealed that he passed away due to natural causes.
Moreover, he is survived by his children Tom (Barb), Chuck (Andrea), Dan (Lynne), and Denise.
Additionally, he was a beloved figure in his family, especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared very deep bonds.
Thomas Was Preceded In Death By His Beloved Wife, Elaine!
Thomas was the youngest child of James and Margaret (Riley) Bresnahan. He had lived in Louisville, KY, since 2012.
He not only had a distinguished career in football coaching but also a solid educational background.
He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, in 1956, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics, achieving cum laude honors.
Later, he earned a master’s degree in education from Springfield College in 1960.
His coaching career spanned 41 years, beginning in 1956 as a line coach at Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 at Fort Dix, NJ, where he coached the base team.
After his military service, he continued coaching at Holyoke High School and Drury High School before moving to college football.
He coached at Williams College, Columbia University, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
In 1981, he transitioned to the NFL, starting with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also coached for the New York Giants, the St. Louis Cardinals (later the Phoenix Cardinals), and the Buffalo Bills.
During his time with the Bills, he served as the Offensive Coordinator for five seasons.
At that time, the team won four consecutive AFC Championships, playing in Super Bowls XXV-XXVIII.
In 1997, he retired from football and shifted his interest to golf, which he loved as much as football.
After a prolific career in football coaching at all levels, from high school to the pros, Tom Bresnahan and his wife decided to leave their retirement life in Phoenix for the Pine Hills at Plymouth.
He had hoped to improve his golf game, but that did not happen. Instead, he became a volunteer coordinator for the football coaching contingent at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Once, Tom recalled his time in Phoenix and said,
My wife and I fell in love with the city. It was like heaven. But [Bills coach] Marv Levy called, and my wife said, ‘Get the hell out of here.’ It was my luckiest move. Nine years. Four Super Bowls. That helped me financially and helped my psyche.
Now, regarding his wife, Elaine Evans, the oldest daughter of Charles and Dora Evans, was born on September 27, 1934, in Boston, MA.
She was a member of the first class of women to graduate from Boston College in 1956.
She earned a bachelor’s degree and later pursued a Master’s degree in Education from Plymouth State College while teaching and managing her family.
She had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. She was known for her dedication and passion for education while raising her four children.
With an adventurous spirit, she loved traveling and spending time with her family.
Both Tom and his wife, Elaine, had strong educational backgrounds, and since they were born in the same place, they might have met each other during their childhood.
Tragically, Elaine died on June 6, 2020, at the age of 85. She was a breast cancer survivor. However, the specific cause of her death is not mentioned in the public domain.
Tom spent nearly five years alone after the passing of his beloved wife. He has now reunited with her, as he passed away on February 22, 2025.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Elaine was deeply committed to her Catholic belief.
- Tom Bresnahan’s son coached for the Oakland Raiders. When his son was part of the coaching staff, he started writing defensive coordinator reports for the Raiders.
