George Darlington, longtime Nebraska football assistant, passes away at 87
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 10:07 PM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
George Darlington, the longest-serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history, died on June 14 at the age of 87. He was part of three national championship teams under head coach Tom Osborne from 1973-2002. The Nebraska athletic department confirmed his death, though it did not provide a cause. Darlington remained active at practices and in the press box until declining health impacted his attendance. He also coached defensive ends and defensive backs during his tenure with the Cornhuskers.
- •Darlington served Nebraska from 1973 to 2002.
- •Contributed to national titles in 1994, 1995, and 1997.
- •Attended practices regularly until health issues arose.
- •Coached defensive ends and defensive backs during his career.
- 10:27 PMESPN NCAAF — Darlington, Nebraska asst. for 30 seasons, dies
- 9:26 PMYahoo Sports — Long-Time Huskers Football Assistant Coach George Darlington Passes Away at the Age of 87
- 8:51 PMYahoo Sports — George Darlington, longest-serving Nebraska football assistant under Osborne and Solich, dies at 87
"George Darlington, the longest-serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history and a member of three national championship teams under Tom Osborne, died Sunday at the age of 87. The Nebraska athletic department announced Darlington's death but did not provide a cause. Despite declining health in recent years, Darlington regularly attended practices and was a fixture in the Nebraska press box on game days.
"George Darlington, the longest-serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history and a member of three national championship teams under Tom Osborne, has died at the age of 87.
"Darlington was the only assistant to serve for each of Dr. Tom Osborne’s seasons at the helm in Lincoln.
Sources
External links- ESPN NCAAFJun 14, 2026, 10:27 PMDarlington, Nebraska asst. for 30 seasons, dies
George Darlington, the longest-serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history and a member of three national championship teams under Tom Osborne, has died at the age of 87.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 9:26 PMLong-Time Huskers Football Assistant Coach George Darlington Passes Away at the Age of 87
Darlington was the only assistant to serve for each of Dr. Tom Osborne’s seasons at the helm in Lincoln.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 8:51 PMGeorge Darlington, longest-serving Nebraska football assistant under Osborne and Solich, dies at 87
George Darlington, the longest-serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history and a member of three national championship teams under Tom Osborne, died Sunday at the age of 87. The Nebraska athletic department announced Darlington's death but did not provide a cause. Despite declining health in recent years, Darlington regularly attended practices and was a fixture in the Nebraska press box on game days.
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