Jim Fassel, former Giants head coach, dies at 71 - 2 minutes read


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Former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel has died at the age of 71, his son John confirmed to the Los Angeles Times on Monday night.

Jim Fassel, who lived in Las Vegas, died of a heart attack while under sedation after being taken to the hospital Monday with chest pains, John Fassel told the Times.

Jim Fassel was head coach of the Giants from 1997 to 2003 and guided the team to three playoff berths. He was named the NFL's Coach of the Year in 1997.

"Big part of my life. Just a great man, great coach. And he will be missed. I was definitely shocked this morning to find out this news," Giants legend Michael Strahan said on 'Good Morning America.' "I just want to send my love and condolences to his family. Great man. Enjoyed every minute with him as my coach and after my career when we continued to stay in touch and talk."

Strahan played for Fassel with the Giants from 1997 to 2003.

Fassel's Giants lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV in January 2001, after going 12-4 and winning the NFC East that season. Fassel was 58-53-1 overall with the Giants.

In addition to coaching the Giants, Fassel was a longtime NFL assistant, holding offensive coordinator roles with the Giants, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Ravens.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh offered his condolences in a statement Tuesday and said that although he never coached with Fassel, he "always respected and appreciated his approach to coaching and the way he treated his players."

Fassel also coached in the college ranks, leading Utah from 1985 to 1989.



Source: www.espn.com - NFL