Dick Tomey (June 20, 1938 – May 10, 2019) was an American college football coach and former player whose career spanned more than four decades. Best known for long head-coaching runs at the University of Hawaii, the University of Arizona and San Jose State University, Tomey is remembered for program turnarounds, a stout defensive identity and a reputation as a developer of young athletes and assistant coaches. For a concise career overview see his profile.

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Tomey played college football at DePauw University from 1957 to 1960, where he began to form the foundation of his coaching approach: attention to fundamentals, physical defense and disciplined preparation. His Midwestern upbringing and small-college playing experience informed a coaching style that emphasized toughness, technique and steady improvement. He was born in Bloomington, Indiana; more about the town and early life context can be found here.

Coaching career

Tomey's head-coaching positions established him as a prominent figure in western collegiate football. His head-coaching timeline included:

  • University of Hawaii (1977–1986)
  • University of Arizona (1987–2000), where his defenses gained regional and national attention; see the University of Arizona program page.
  • San Jose State University (2005–2009)

At Arizona, teams under Tomey became known for rugged, opportunistic defenses and a distinctive identity that emphasized control of the line of scrimmage. The era produced several signature seasons and raised the program's profile within its conference. Tomey worked with defensive coordinators and assistants who went on to notable coaching careers, reflecting his role as a mentor.

Style, influence and legacy

Tomey’s coaching style blended conservative offensive play-calling with aggressive, well-organized defenses. He was often described as a players’ coach who prioritized character and academic as well as athletic development. His influence is visible in the coaches he mentored, the systems he helped popularize in the region, and the sustained respect he earned from peers and former players. While not every season was marked by championships, Tomey is credited with building competitive, disciplined teams and stabilizing programs that needed cultural and tactical overhaul.

Late in life Tomey faced health challenges. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2019 and died on May 10, 2019. Contemporary reports and remembrances described his impact on collegiate football communities and his standing as a respected elder statesman of the game; for health-related coverage see reports.

Notable facts: Tomey combined small-college playing roots with a major-college coaching footprint, leaving a legacy of defensive toughness and mentorship. His multi-decade presence at several institutions made him a familiar figure to generations of players and fans in the American West.