Former Arizona Wildcats assistant coach John Rushing has died. He was 48 years old.
Rushing coached at the UA in 2018 and ’19. He coached safeties and then linebackers before being let go last October.
Rushing was close friends with former Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, having coached him at Boise State and worked alongside him at Montana State before reuniting in Tucson.
Rushing spent several years in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. He also spent seven seasons at Utah State during the 2000s. Rushing coached safeties at Oregon State in 2017 before joining Kevin Sumlin’s staff in Tucson.
Rushing played defensive back at Washington State in the early 1990s before a brief playing career in the NFL and CFL. He was among the top players and leaders on a Cougars defense known as the “Palouse Posse.”
He and his wife, Angela, had five children, according to his most recent UA bio .
Former NFL defensive back Chris Hayes, whose son, Isaiah, played at the UA before transferring to Louisville, played with Rushing at WSU.
“My condolences to his family,” Chris Hayes said in a text message. “J-Rush was a good man who loved the game of football. It was a blessing to have played alongside him at Washington State, and it was awesome that he got to coach Isaiah at Arizona.”
Ana Verdin, an administrative assistant for the Wildcats football program, tweeted about Rushing’s passing Friday afternoon.
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“RIP to my dear friend, Coach John Rushing,” she wrote. “I will miss your humor, camaraderie, kindness and friendship. … Eternally grateful for our conversations, you will be forever missed.”
UA football subsequently released the following statement:
"The Arizona football program and the entire Wildcat Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Coach John Rushing. John was a tremendous husband, father, friend, mentor and coach who was committed to making a positive impact on the many lives he touched. His passion for life will be one of the many memories that we will all hold on to and keep in remembrance.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Angela; his children, Angel, Tatiana, Nataya, Kamiah and Dash; as well as the entire Rushing family and the many who were fortunate to call him a friend."
Photos: Arizona Wildcats football practice during pandemic
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Running back Gary Brightwell eyes the pitch form quarterback Grant Gunnell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Linebacker Chandler Kelly hones his blocking technique on Jeremiah Fletcher as the special teams workout and the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming shortened Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Grant Gunnell drops a pass to running back Gary Brightwell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Linebacker Parker Henley muscles his way through the line during special teams drills the University of Arizona Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Quarterback Will Plummer takes a shotgun snap during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Michael Wiley bobbles the ball while fielding a punt with a towel pinned under his arms as the Wildcats special teams work on their skills and continue preparations for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Receiver Stanley Berryhill III turns up field after taking a toss in the backfield on a misdirection play during the Wildcats preparations for the upcoming COVID10 shortened season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Defensive back Jaydin Young and linebacker Mike Saliba work on fighting through the line on special teams drills at the Wildcats practice session in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Receiver Tre Adams follows a blocker upfield after taking a pitch in the backfield during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Christian Roland-Wallace keeps his concentration on the incoming ball while fielding punts at the Wildcats workout in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Matthew Stefanski Jr. blocks teammate Donovan Laie as the offensive line gets in their reps at the Wildcats practice for the upcoming Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
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Running back Jalen John is moving on the snap while working on handoffs with the quarterbacks during the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Receiver Jaden Mitchell keeps his concentration as he brings down a throw during a drill at the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Defensive lineman Myles Tapusoa slaps a dummy out of the way while running drills during the University of Arizona's pre-season workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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The throw is just a bit too tall for receiver Stanley Berryhill III to bring down at the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Defensive lineman Kyon Barrs, left, gets limbered up while the Wildcats stretch out for their evening practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Defensive lineman Aaron Blackwell concentrates on his movement while the Wildcats run through their warm-up drills at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Christian Roland-Wallace follows his lead blocker as the U of A practices kick-off returns at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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D-lineman Dion Wilson Jr. and the Wildcats go through their pre-practice routine as Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium on Oct. 21, 2020.
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Gary Brightwell cradles a kick-off as the Wildcats work on special teams in the early going os the the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Regen Terry gets loose with the other defensive linemen during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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David Watson, left, and Paiton Fears comes face-to-face while the offensive linemen drill at the University of Arizona practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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University of Arizona offensive lineman Matthew Stefanski Jr. stays low blocking on a teammate during a drill at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Leif Magnuson, right, stiff arms his way into teammate Sam Langi while the offensive line works out at the University of Arizona's session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Darrell Branch, left, and Jamari Williams jockey for a hold as the offensive line goes through their drills during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Woody Jean, left, and Jordan Morgan grapple as the offensive line practice their technique as the University of Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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It takes every inch Tristen D'Angelo has to make the one-handed grab during a pass catching drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Running back Nazar Bombata makes a hopping course adjustment while running hand off drills with the University of Arizona at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Running back Frank Brown Jr., left, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after only one season at Arizona.
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Quarterbacks Will Plummer, left, Rhett Rodriguez and Grant Gunnell work on their arms and aim as the University of Arizona gets ready for the upcoming season with a practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Receiver Tre Adams contorts a bit to try to bring down a high throw on his route running drill during the University of Arizona's workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Tight end Bryce Wolma runs the gauntlet of pads while woking on ball security during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Tight end Connor Hutchings pulls in a catch during a drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Head coach Kevin Sumlin talks with president Robert Robbins just before the University of Arizona gets into their practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
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Receiver Tre Adams watches the ball into his hands while running routes during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Running back Frank Brown Jr., hones his pass catching eye on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Nazar Bombata chases down a high throw while working out with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Roy Lopez lines up for a rep on special teams during the second day of practice at the University of Arizona on Oct. 10, 2020.
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Lineman Jordan Morgan works with the special teams unit as the Wildcats go through day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Gary Brightwell runs the gauntlet while working on his ball security on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Linebackers Derick Mourning, left, and Anthony Pandy run through a drill on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Grant Gunnell cocks to throw while working with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Rhett Rodriguez hands off to Nathan Tilford at day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Quarterback Grant Gunnell hands off to running back Gary Brightwell on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Frank Brown Jr., grabs some water as the Wildcat running backs take a hydration break on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Quarterback Will Plummer dumps a pass to Jamarye Joiner during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Nathan Tilford backs up Michael Wiley as the running backs work on pass blocking during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Receiver Jaden Mitchell hops his way to a catch while running routes during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Running back Nazar Bombata collides with Jason Butler while working on pass blocking for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
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Malik Hausman goes airborne while running punt blocking drills in the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Quarterback Grant Gunnell throws while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone directs his troops as drills get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads paces the field as things get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Tucson natives Stanley Berryhill III, left, and Jamarye Joiner get into the music being piped into the fields during a 2020 practice.
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Punter Jacob Meeker-Hackett limbers up his leg as the Wildcats run through stretches in the early going of the night's at the University of Arizona,, October 9, 2020.
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Defensive back Rhedi Short jumps through the line while the special teams work on punt blocking during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Receiver Thomas Reid III can't make the catch as the ball slams into the dummy while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Nathan Tilford runs under a big throw as he runs routes with the offense during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Nathan Tilford and the Wildcats head into the Cole and Jeanie Davis Sports Center as the University of Arizona football team returns to the field, October 9, 2020.
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Stanley Berryhill III draws a bead on a long looping throw on his route during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
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Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at 573-4148 or mlev@tucson.com . On Twitter @michaeljlev