Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died Tuesday of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59.
Hoeppner, who had two brain surgeries in the past 18 months, spent the last four months on medical leave. He died at 6:50 a.m. at Bloomington Hospital with his family at his side, said J.D. Campbell, IU sports information director.
“Terry’s fight was courageous and will serve as an inspiration to those who have known him,” Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan said in a statement. “This is a truly sad day for our community and all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoeppner family and to those whose lives he has touched.”
Indiana University team physician Dr. Larry Rink confirmed in the statement that Hoeppner was being treated for the brain tumor over the past 18 months. During Hoeppner’s illness the school released few details of the nature of his condition or his treatment.
Hoeppner, who went 9-14 in two seasons as Indiana’s coach, had taken three medical leaves since December 2005. He hadn’t been seen publicly since late February. Late last week, the school said assistant Bill Lynch would replace him as coach for the 2007 season