Jack Daniels, who was acknowledged as one of the most influential and successful running coaches and exercise scientists in the United States, died on Friday.
Daniels worked directly with dozens of elite American distance runners, authored several books and more than 50 articles on running, and produced ground-breaking innovations and research.
But his most cherished experiences involved helping more “normal” athletes find success and enjoyment in the sport.
Daniels fell into distance running and eventually began coaching in a roundabout way.
A strong collegiate swimmer in the early 1950s, he became a two-time Olympic medalist in modern pentathlon despite initially struggling in the event’s running component.
Born in Detroit, Daniels was still an infant when his parents moved the family to the Bay Area of Northern California.
There, Daniels had an active childhood and, after failing at baseball tryouts, became an accomplished competitive swimmer at Sequoia Union High School in Redwood City before entering the Colorado School of Mines in 1951.
A year later, he transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula, where he excelled on both the swimming and rifle teams and also completed the ROTC program.
Coach Jack Daniels Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated
As per the reports, Jack Daniels took his last breath on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the age of 92.
However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Several close friends and relatives poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Jack Daniels and his family, asking them to stay strong during this difficult time.
Runner’s World took to its official Facebook handle to announce the death of Jack. They wrote,
Jack Daniels, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential and successful running coaches and exercise scientists in the United States, died on September 12 at age 92.
Runner’s World
Karen Buskey McDaniel, a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego, offered her heartfelt condolences. She wrote,
RIP Dr. Daniels, coach, educator, scientist, mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and family
Karen Buskey McDaniel
A track and field coach at Cuyamaca College, Thom Hunt, also sent prayers to Jack’s family. He wrote,
So sorry to hear of Jack Daniels passing. He was a wonderful human being. I learned so much from him about running and coaching that I still use daily. He was the exercise physiologist for Athletics West while I was in Eugene. Even afterwards he was my go to with a quick email question. What a great contributor to our sport. Rest in peace Jack.
Thom Hunt
Jack will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a coach and exercise physiologist. His funeral service will be made available by his family soon.
Rest in Heaven, Jack Daniels.
Jack Daniels Is Survived By His Wife, Nancy, And Two Daughters
Coach Jack Daniels was married to Nancy Daniels. The date of their marriage has not been revealed.
Recently, Nancy took to email and mourned the death of her husband, Jack. She wrote,
“He died happy after watching the Green Bay Packers win last night. He tested the Packers team when he was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, and has loved the team ever since.”
Nancy Daniels
Relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences to Nancy to stay strong during this hard time.
Jack and Nancy were blessed with two daughters, Audra and Sarah Daniels.
Although they have stayed away from social media highlights, they are mourning the death of their devoted and supportive father, Jack Daniels.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Daniels graduated from Montana in 1955 with a double major in physical education and mathematics and then served a year in the U.S. Army in Korea.
- He served as head cross-country coach at Oklahoma City University from 1961 to 1965, and then began work on his Ph.D. Summers were spent conducting altitude research with elite U.S. athletes and for the space program, working with the Federal Aviation Administration. This led to an assignment with the 1968 U.S.
