Dick Tomey remembered by friends and colleagues at UA, elsewhere

Remembering UA coaching legend Dick Tomey

After a battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer, Arizona Wildcats coaching legend Dick Tomey died at age 80 Friday night. 

Tomey was diagnosed with lung cancer in December and received treatment in Houston and at Tucson Medical Center. 

"We are all heartbroken to lose him," the family said in a statement, "but are forever grateful to have shared his life."  

Tomey is considered the best coach in UA football history and won 95 games at Arizona from 1987-2000, and 48 in a six-season stretch — from 1993-98 — that’s considered among the best in program history.

Tomey's former players, UA community and others shared their condolences to the Tomey family along, here's who they are. 

Steve Kerr

RIP Coach Tomey- what a wonderful person and a helluva coach. Kind, thoughtful, tough and competitive. We have stayed in touch over the years and talked a lot about coaching. I learned a lot from him. Much love to the Tomey family. https://t.co/WSvlZUuHGO

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) May 11, 2019

Ricky Hunley

Everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him, loved and respected him. Coach Tomey was nothing but Class. He walked with the kings but kept the common touch.RIP Coach the Football world will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/0ycEPSArqM

— Ricky Hunley (@rickyhunley) May 11, 2019

Kevin Sumlin

There is no doubt that Coach Tomey’s legacy and impact will resonate for many years to come. Bear Down Coach! https://t.co/2cneHvoV45

— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) May 11, 2019

Antonio Pierce

Thank You Coach Tomey 🙏🏽🕊#BearDownTomey pic.twitter.com/g5NJ0irJl5

— Antonio Pierce (@AntonioPierce) May 11, 2019

Brandon Sanders

My heart is sad to the core.. but I’m comforted to know my Coach, my Mentor, my Friend is at peace and in heaven.. A father figure to thousands of us R.I.P Coach Tomey.. “Coach them hard.. LOVE them HARDER” #CoachOnTheBlock pic.twitter.com/zSfNH49NUi

— Brandon Sanders (@coachBSanders18) May 11, 2019

Mack Brown

Sally and I are so sad to hear of Dick Tomey’s passing. I’ve never met a more passionate, loving man, who was also one of the best coaches to ever coach. We’ve lost a dear friend, and the CFB Family lost a true Legend! There is a hole in our hearts. Rest easy, my friend. pic.twitter.com/JGsIng5bKD

— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) May 11, 2019

Hawaii Football

Aloha, Coach Tomey. ➡️ https://t.co/eZXcRce4O6 pic.twitter.com/Kj8rpNy1IS

— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) May 11, 2019

Khalil Tate

We only met one time, but from our conversation you are the definition of the Wildcat Way. While putting others before yourself, I appreciate your endless suppprt towards this University and your legacy will live on forever. Legends Live Forever #BearDown 🔴🔵 RIP Coach Tomey pic.twitter.com/HiDqEiWsvr

— Khalil Tate (@KhalilDTN) May 11, 2019

Kelvin Eafon

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/yMy02oiIHI

— Kelvin Eafon (@krocdesertstorm) May 11, 2019

Arizona Cardinals

The football world has lost a giant with the passing of longtime University of Arizona coach Dick Tomey. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all of those whose lives were enriched by Coach Tomey. pic.twitter.com/Cgd31KqBIg

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 11, 2019

UA president Robert Robbins

I am very sad to hear of the passing of @UofA and @AZAthletics legend Coach Dick Tomey. His impact on the UA and @ArizonaFBall will be remembered for many years, and we will long be grateful for his friendship and support. He will be missed. https://t.co/8jmWMMhgTx pic.twitter.com/Hv8lg6oIf2

— Robert C. Robbins (@UofAPres) May 11, 2019

Chuck Cecil

There's not the right words or enough space on Twitter. It's taken us a minute. Love this pic of Coach w/ his arm around @carriegcecil and me with Nanci. December dinner in #Tucson. 🙏🏽'ing for our friends. pic.twitter.com/0biqedgEzH

— Chuck Cecil (@chuckcecil26) May 11, 2019

Mike Candrea

Coach Candrea and the entire Arizona softball program mourns the loss of legendary @ArizonaFBall coach Dick Tomey.

Our thoughts are with all of Coach Tomey’s family and friends. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M55FeHvZhk

— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) May 11, 2019

San Jose State football

A legend. RIP Coach Tomey. pic.twitter.com/oVDkfAfG3A

— San José State Football (@SJSUSpartanFB) May 11, 2019

Willie Taggart

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dick Tomey. My Prayers go out to all of Coach’s Family members and dear Friends. His legacy has definitely left a lasting impression on so many. Love ya coach! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

— Willie Taggart (@CoachTaggart) May 11, 2019

Former Arizona AD Greg Byrne

An outstanding coach but even a better man. Coach Tomey positively impacted every person who was fortunate enough to spend time with him. #RIPCoachTomey pic.twitter.com/R1aF5JnwHt

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) May 11, 2019

Kelvin Hunter

RIP Coach Tomey. Condolences to the Tomey family. 🐻⬇️ you will be missed! One of Coach Tomey’s most memorable quotes was when he said one day during a meeting after a Holiday Bowl practice, you know what that “N” on Nebraska’s helmet stands for Not Today, Not today! 💙 you Coach pic.twitter.com/Bd3leLn7r5

— Kelvin Hunter(Coach Hunt) (@KelvinHunter21) May 11, 2019

Dave Heeke

We have lost a true Wildcat Icon but his impact will live forever! Incredible Coach and better person. I am honored to have known this great man and am thankful for how warmly he welcomed our family into the Wildcat Family @AZATHLETICS #BearDown https://t.co/PzqsGbYTST

— Dave Heeke (@Dave_Heeke) May 11, 2019

Rich Rodriguez

It was a great honor to know Coach Tomey. He was always supportive and he was a great coach and person. Thoughts and prayers for his family

— Rich Rodriguez (@RealCoachRod) May 11, 2019

Brian Orakpo

Sad to hear about Coach Tomey he helped us start the culture change at @TexasFootball during 2004. Rest In Peace coach 🙏🏿 https://t.co/jaOSu3LByi

— Brian Orakpo (@rak98) May 11, 2019