Beloved University of Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond dies at 92

Harold “Tubby” Raymond, one of the most successful and revered coaches in the history of University of Delaware football,  and all of college football, has died after a brief illness at the age of 92.

Raymond won 300 games and three national championships during his career at UD. At that time in November 2001 he was only the fourth coach to accomplish that goal at one school. He became the head coach in 1966 after serving 12 years as an assistant under another legendary coach, Dave Nelson.

As was one of the innovators of what has become known as the Wing-T offense, Raymond has coached 15 National Football League draft picks, including quarterback Rich Gannon. He coached teams that won small college football titles in 1971, 1972, and 1979.

The nickname Tubby was given to him by a childhood playmate. He often said he lost the weight, but not the nickname.

University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis offered condolences on behalf of the University of Delaware community. “Tubby was a great leader, a wise mentor and a generous contributor to his community. Possibly more than any other coach, Tubby helped shape UD Athletics into the excellent program it is today,” he said.

His 300-119-3 coaching record put him in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He was added to the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002, the state of Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. A native of Flint, Michigan, he was added to that city’s hall of fame in 1983.

After Raymond retired he took up painting. His works have been profiled on national television programs over the years. In the 1950’s he started painting portraits of senior members of the football team. He continued the tradition after he retired in 2002. It continued right through this season.

Raymond just celebrated his 92nd birthday on November 14. He leaves behind his wife Diane, four children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He first wife, Susan, passed away in 1990. His son David achieved his own notoriety as the original Philly Phanatic.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Tubby Raymond Foundation, which is part of the Delaware Community Foundation.