The death of former Ohio Bobcats Head Coach Brian Gilbert Burke at the age of 90 has brought grief and sorrow to the community.
Born on August 22, 1935, in Ohio, Burke began his football journey as a quarterback at Kent State University from 1955 to 1957
Later, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary, North Carolina State University, and the University of Virginia.
Brian Burke was the head football coach for the Ohio Bobcats from 1979 to 1984, compiling an overall record of 31 wins, 34 losses, and 1 tie.
Former Ohio Football Head Coach Brian Gilbert Burke Dies at 90, Survived by Wife Kay and Four Children!
Brain passed away on September 20, 2025, in Roscommon, Michigan, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for 15 years.
Burke is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay, and their four children: Shawn, Jodi, Kevin, and Erin.
Additionally, he leaves behind several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Brian’s memory is preserved on Legacy.com, where his admirers can send flowers and make donations if they wish.
As per Legacy.com, Brian’s family has chosen to remember him privately during this time.
Therefore, details about his funeral and visitation have not yet been disclosed. His daughter Erin has shared a heartfelt post about Brian’s passing.
In addition to his daughter, Tim Albin, head coach at Ohio University, expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Burke’s influence on the program.
Prayers to family🙏
— Tim Albin (@CoachAlbin) September 23, 2025
R. I. P. Coach
B. F. F.
Bobcat Family Forever!
🧱🐾https://t.co/F2QVgeY0tU
Not just Brian’s friends and family, but his students and coaching staff also remember his legacy, highlighting his lasting impact on Ohio football.
One of the coaches who worked under Brian wrote in his tribute book, expressing his sorrow and reflecting on Brian’s influence, saying:
Brian Burke gave me a chance at college coaching as a Graduate Assistant at Ohio University in 1980 & 1981. I was a GA for the Offense and would breakdown the films and prepared the scouting reports for Coach Burke. He would take the time to review them and give me feedback. He was Head Coach but was also the Offensive Coordinator and called all the plays from the field. He rarely used the headsets as he could eye the defense from the field level. He was a master of the Veer Offense and had the Triple Option run to perfection as well as a Pro Style passing attack. I was a player when Coach Burke came to Virginia and installed the Veer and tripled the offensive production from the previous season. I used alot of his football knowledge that he passed on to me as a high school coach later in my coaching career. I love you Coach Burke. Thank You for believing in me.
Brian Burke’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched as a coach, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
In Case You Don’t Know
- Before his own passing, Brian witnessed the deaths of his brothers Don, Leo, Richie, and Allen, as well as his sister Barbara.
- Brian was a 1954 graduate of Rhodes High School and was later honored with induction into its Hall of Fame.
