University of Georgia Athletics
Erk Russell Remembered For Tenacity, Motivation
September 08, 2006 | Football
“Erk Russell is an icon of Georgia football history, and we join all the Bulldog Nation in mourning his passing," University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams said. "I had come to know him over the years and have great respect for his many contributions to the University and its football program. His tenacity, combined with a loving spirit, inspired loyalty in his players, fellow coaches, and all who love the University of Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of great loss.”
“This is a sad day for the Bulldog Nation," Director of Athletics Damon Evans said. "Coach Russell touched the lives of so many people. His legendary status as a hard-nosed defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia will always be remembered. Erk truly embodied what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog.”
"This is a total shock, and Barbara and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Russell family," former Georgia football coach and AD Vince Dooley said. "Erk and I coached together at Auburn as assistants and were a close team for 17 years at Georgia. To say that Erk was a great coach doesn't do him justice. He had a wonderful sense of humor, combined with a tremendous ability to motivate. He had a unique ability to relate to players in a very special way and was the epitome of a players' coach. He had a great influence on people and affected the lives of many. He was loved by all."
“We had Erk speak to our team a few years back and we still show that video to our team on occasion," Georgia head football coach Mark Richt said. "He had charisma. He didn’t take himself too seriously and people loved him because they knew he cared. He left a huge impression on the Georgia program, the people of Georgia, and especially the players he coached and his fellow coaches.”
Russell spent 17 years as Georgia's defensive coordinator and became a symbol of the Bulldogs' toughness by going head to head with helmeted players during practices. Blood streaming down his bald head was not an uncommon site.
“Erk coached through motivation not intimidation as some thought," said Loran Smith, Georgia Radio Network sideline reporter and longtime Executive Secretary of the Georgia Bulldog Club. "He had the most remarkable ability to make everybody feel good. Secretaries loved him. Custodians loved him. Most of all, his players loved him, which is why the least talented athlete could make a contribution if it was only for one play or one series. He felt that defense was reaction and recognition. He could motivate a kid with heart and an appreciation for team play to help Georgia win championships. He was selfless and was happiest with a beer, a cigar and good conversation. To me, the mark of a great man is when the little people admire and love you. That was certainly the case with Erk. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football for the years he was here.”
“We’ve had many fine assistant coaches at Georgia, but Erk Russell was probably the most instrumental assistant in our history," said former Georgia Sports Information Director Dan Magill. "He had more to do with the fighting spirit of our defenses than anyone and probably the greatest impact of any assistant on the success of the teams during his tenure.”
Russell left the Bulldogs following the national championship season of 1980 to resurrect the Georgia Southern football program. The Eagles had not fielded a team since 1941, but Russell led them to Division I-AA national titles in 1985, 1986 and 1989. Russell went 83-22-1 in eight seasons as the Eagles coach. He was a three-time I-AA National Coach of the Year.
Born July 23, 1926, in Birmingham, Ala., Russell was a four-sport letterman at Auburn. He began his coaching career at Grady High School in Atlanta, and then had stints as an assistant at Auburn and Vanderbilt before he joined Coach Vince Dooley's first staff at Georgia in 1964.
Funeral services for Erk Russell will be held at 2:00 pm in the Georgia Southern football stadium.
