Since the news broke early this morning of the passing of Arizona football coaching legend Dick Tomey, a great deal of reaction has taken place on social media.
Here are many of the reactions (to be updated as they come in):
The entire Wildcat family is mourning the passing of Arizona Football coaching icon Dick Tomey
📰 | https://t.co/jemYaI9nHE pic.twitter.com/aOtVew3ZNi
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) May 11, 2019
A man of integrity and passion who impacted the lives of so many. He always put others before himself. Coach Tomey’s legacy goes far beyond the football field. Bear Down Coach! pic.twitter.com/lQmtbodkWt
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) May 11, 2019
Aloha, Coach Tomey.
➡️ https://t.co/eZXcRce4O6 pic.twitter.com/Kj8rpNy1IS
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) May 11, 2019
"Coach Tomey was a legend. He had the unique ability to reach into your soul and get the best out of you. He was different. He loved the game of football but it was more about the players, the coaches, the families, the TEAM. You knew sincerely cared about you.”
– @CoachBrennan pic.twitter.com/606v4ew3LO— San José State Football (@SJSUSpartanFB) May 11, 2019
The football world has lost a giant with the passing of longtime University of Arizona coach Dick Tomey. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all of those whose lives were enriched by Coach Tomey. pic.twitter.com/Cgd31KqBIg
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 11, 2019
Our condolences to Coach Tomey's family, friends and fans. #BeyondTheCup https://t.co/5j3Roos6Kh
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) May 11, 2019
He may have been UA's all-time winningest football coach, but more importantly, Dick Tomey was a great man and community leader. He will be missed. Rest in peace coach! pic.twitter.com/06X6qa1YaF
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) May 11, 2019
The #Dbacks and @Braves hold a moment of silence for legendary @ArizonaFBall coach Dick Tomey who passed away today. pic.twitter.com/D8lV7fBT40
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 11, 2019
"Dick Tomey will be deeply missed but the impact he had on so many of us will live on." pic.twitter.com/N8xbAHk7AT
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) May 11, 2019
Arizona legendary linebacker Ricky Hunley
Coach Tomey has been called home after a his battle with cancer. We were blessed to have had him in our lives. What he has done for the U of A Football and our community will live on forever. Coach was a true Champion for Inclusion. Everyone was treated like the star of the Team pic.twitter.com/OHIpyJrdx7
— Ricky Hunley (@rickyhunley) May 11, 2019
Everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him, loved and respected him. Coach Tomey was nothing but Class. He walked with the kings but kept the common touch.
RIP Coach the Football world will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/0ycEPSArqM— Ricky Hunley (@rickyhunley) May 11, 2019
Desert Swarm member Brandon Sanders
My heart is sad to the core.. but I’m comforted to know my Coach, my Mentor, my Friend is at peace and in heaven.. A father figure to thousands of us R.I.P Coach Tomey.. “Coach them hard.. LOVE them HARDER” #CoachOnTheBlock pic.twitter.com/zSfNH49NUi
— Brandon Sanders (@coachBSanders18) May 11, 2019
Legendary coach Mack Brown
Sally and I are so sad to hear of Dick Tomey’s passing. I’ve never met a more passionate, loving man, who was also one of the best coaches to ever coach. We’ve lost a dear friend, and the CFB Family lost a true Legend! There is a hole in our hearts. Rest easy, my friend. pic.twitter.com/JGsIng5bKD
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) May 11, 2019
Former linebacker Chester Burnett
Rest in Eternal peace Coach Tomey. You set the standard for not just being a great Coach, but a great man. https://t.co/IYfLVoJJ9P
— Chester Burnett (@Chesterburnett) May 11, 2019
Corbin Smith, son of the late Larry Smith
Rest Easy Coach Tomey! All the love in the world to your family. pic.twitter.com/L7oAA7j8UL
— Coach Corbin Smith (@SmithBoys4) May 11, 2019
Former tight end Brandon Manumaleuna
One of the greatest men to ever lead a team onto a football field. You taught me so much about football and how to be an accountable young man. Your presence will be missed. My condolences to the Tomey family. RIP Coach Tomey. 💔 #beardown pic.twitter.com/LoLR2ORX7T
— Brandon Manumaleuna (@BManu86) May 11, 2019
Fox Sports Arizona executive Brett Hansen
What kind of person was Dick Tomey? He once got mad at me for putting his photo on a UA football game program cover.
Said “Arizona football is about the players, not me.”
An amazing leader and dad who made a larger than life impact on so many. Bear Down coach!
— Brett Hansen (@bretthansen5) May 11, 2019
AllSportsTucson.com writer Andy Morales
The @AZATHLETICS @ArizonaFBall Wildcat family lost a legend & a friend with the passing of Dick Tomey. I have so much respect for this man. He was wronged by a few who wanted something better than the best we ever had & our community suffered because of it. He remained the better pic.twitter.com/zN9pcUvMp2
— Andy Morales (@AndyMorales8) May 11, 2019
ASU public-address announcer Jeff Munn
A story: following ASU’s 1991 football victory over Arizona, I was responsible for getting quotes from the visiting coach. Because of writers’ deadlines, I was alone when Dick Tomey came out. He answered all my questions. He was a very classy man. RIP Coach.
— Jeff Munn (@MunnyBall) May 11, 2019
Former Arizona player Barrett Baker
Cried for a few minutes then realized how lucky I was to play for him and more importantly to have known him. What a man. I’ll cherish the memories forever. Love you Coach, Bear Down. #DickTomey
— Barrett Baker (@BarrettBaker27) May 11, 2019
Arizona softball coaching legend Mike Candrea
Coach Candrea and the entire Arizona softball program mourns the loss of legendary @ArizonaFBall coach Dick Tomey.
Our thoughts are with all of Coach Tomey’s family and friends. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M55FeHvZhk
— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) May 11, 2019
One of the finest men I have ever met! Love you Dick Tomey! 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/WJhi6y54wn
— Mike Candrea (@CoachCandreaUA) May 11, 2019
Desert Swarm linebacker Brant Boyer
CBS College Football Writer Dennis Dodd
What modern college football wouldn't give for Dick Tomey's Desert Swarm defense.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) May 11, 2019
Florida State coach Willie Taggart
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dick Tomey. My Prayers go out to all of Coach’s Family members and dear Friends. His legacy has definitely left a lasting impression on so many. Love ya coach! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Willie Taggart (@CoachTaggart) May 11, 2019
Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin
There is no doubt that Coach Tomey’s legacy and impact will resonate for many years to come. Bear Down Coach! https://t.co/2cneHvoV45
— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) May 11, 2019
ASU assistant Antonio Pierce, an Arizona standout
Thank You Coach Tomey 🙏🏽🕊#BearDownTomey pic.twitter.com/g5NJ0irJl5
— Antonio Pierce (@AntonioPierce) May 11, 2019
Arizona president Robert C. Robbins
I am very sad to hear of the passing of @UofA and @AZAthletics legend Coach Dick Tomey. His impact on the UA and @ArizonaFBall will be remembered for many years, and we will long be grateful for his friendship and support. He will be missed. https://t.co/8jmWMMhgTx pic.twitter.com/Hv8lg6oIf2
— Robert C. Robbins (@UofAPres) May 11, 2019
Utah AD Mark Harlan, a former Arizona staffer
Coach T was my mentor, friend & dad to my best friend. This is so hard. Not being able to call him for encouragement or to solve a problem is unimaginable but Im ready to march forward because of him. He will forever be a legend for so many. Love you Coach https://t.co/tB2IbtYbzr
— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) May 11, 2019
AllSportsTucson.com writer Steve Rivera
The Dick Tomey-led wildcats were the first major beat I covered back in 1988. Great man to write about. Reminded me of my dad… loved his family and cared unconditionally about his family and team. Godspeed.
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) May 11, 2019
Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke
We have lost a true Wildcat Icon but his impact will live forever! Incredible Coach and better person. I am honored to have known this great man and am thankful for how warmly he welcomed our family into the Wildcat Family @AZATHLETICS #BearDown https://t.co/PzqsGbYTST
— Dave Heeke (@Dave_Heeke) May 11, 2019
Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden
Former college football coach Dick Tomey has died at 80. His 94 Arizona Desert Swarm team was the subject of my first SI cover story and he could not have been more open. I watched him play baseball with kids at age 55. A good man. Sad day.
— Tim Layden (@SITimLayden) May 11, 2019
Arizona volleyball coach David Rubio
Rest In Peace to an amazing man and an amazing ambassador of Arizona Athletics! Our thoughts are with Coach Tomey’s family and friends. 🙏
Coach Rubio’s statement: https://t.co/WCoYMEEkNK pic.twitter.com/dC5ApXl2ZF
— Arizona Volleyball (@ArizonaVBall) May 11, 2019
Arizona legendary linebacker Lance Briggs
Former Tucson Citizen Sports Editor Peter Madrid
So sorry to hear about the passing of a man who was a leader, was fair to me and my sportswriters, and loved his family. RIP Coach Tomey. https://t.co/W1cLq1tUaT
— Peter Madrid (@Madrid_Media) May 11, 2019
AllSportsTucson.com writer Anthony Gimino
I don't know how you sum up a man like Dick Tomey with one quote. But I think this, from a 2017 interview with me, comes close to capturing what he was all about. pic.twitter.com/kTCeaOvqig
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) May 11, 2019
Former running back Kelvin Eafon
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/yMy02oiIHI
— Kelvin Eafon (@krocdesertstorm) May 11, 2019
Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate
We only met one time, but from our conversation you are the definition of the Wildcat Way. While putting others before yourself, I appreciate your endless suppprt towards this University and your legacy will live on forever. Legends Live Forever #BearDown 🔴🔵 RIP Coach Tomey pic.twitter.com/HiDqEiWsvr
— Khalil Tate (@KhalilDTN) May 11, 2019
Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich
Mahalo Coach Tomey, for everything.
— Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) May 11, 2019
Desert Swarm defensive back Kelvin Hunter
RIP Coach Tomey. Condolences to the Tomey family. 🐻⬇️ you will be missed! One of Coach Tomey’s most memorable quotes was when he said one day during a meeting after a Holiday Bowl practice, you know what that “N” on Nebraska’s helmet stands for Not Today, Not today! 💙 you Coach pic.twitter.com/Bd3leLn7r5
— Kelvin Hunter(Coach Hunt) (@KelvinHunter21) May 11, 2019
Arizona hoops legend Damon Stoudamire
The 3 yr run football had while I was at the A was legendary. Lot of studs on those teams. I will never forget them beating #1 Washington! Coach Tomey will be missed. https://t.co/I33GOSTD8U
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 11, 2019
Former Arizona quarterback Ron Veal
Former Arizona assistant coach Mike Flores
My great pleasure was not only to be coached by Dick Tomey at UCLA when he was an assistant, but also to be a fellow staff member at UCLA, I then coached for him at Hawaii and Arizona. But above all, he was my closest friend and mentor who impacted my life beyond description. pic.twitter.com/5giRXa27m6
— Mike Flores (@uclamike11) May 11, 2019
Arizona basketball legend Steve Kerr
RIP Coach Tomey- what a wonderful person and a helluva coach. Kind, thoughtful, tough and competitive. We have stayed in touch over the years and talked a lot about coaching. I learned a lot from him. Much love to the Tomey family. https://t.co/WSvlZUuHGO
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) May 11, 2019
Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates
Sending my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Coach Tomey. Know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/5QgLJItqFz
— Marcel Yates (@CoachYatesAZ) May 11, 2019
South Florida, where Tomey worked as an advisor
Our hearts go out to the Tomey and Arizona families.
RIP Coach Tomey and thank you for your contributions to our program. We loved having you as a Bull. https://t.co/InOckuK3pY— USF Football (@USFFootball) May 11, 2019
Former NFL player Brian Orakpo
Sad to hear about Coach Tomey he helped us start the culture change at @TexasFootball during 2004. Rest In Peace coach 🙏🏿 https://t.co/jaOSu3LByi
— Brian Orakpo (@rak98) May 11, 2019
Arizona football legend Chuck Cecil
There's not the right words or enough space on Twitter. It's taken us a minute. Love this pic of Coach w/ his arm around @carriegcecil and me with Nanci. December dinner in #Tucson. 🙏🏽'ing for our friends. pic.twitter.com/0biqedgEzH
— Chuck Cecil (@chuckcecil26) May 11, 2019
Arizona basketball great Reggie Geary
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Dick Tomey. Always a class act and one great coach. Coach Tomey was at the helm for some of UofA footballs greatest moments and teams. @AZATHLETICS @ArizonaFBall #Wildcatfamily #BearDown #Desertswarm @DickTomey #RIP
— Reggie Geary (@ReggieGeary) May 11, 2019
Former player Lamont Lovett
Today we lost a GIANT in Arizona football! A great man, friend, mentor, and father figure to so many. The definition of #BearDown Coach Dick Tomey will be missed.🙏🏾Rest in Heaven Coach. Prayers go to the Tomey family🙏🏾#BearDown #ArizonaWildcatGreat #WildcatLegacy pic.twitter.com/rRFXL90cPj
— lamont lovett (@llovett34) May 11, 2019
Offensive line great Glenn Parker
“Coach them hard and love em harder”
And man did we love him back.
Since I met him he has been a part of me and always will be.
R.I.P. Coach #DickTomey— Glenn Parker (@kcgp62) May 11, 2019
Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone
Thank you Coach….for all you’ve done. Not only for all the young men you’ve mentored but also for defining the word “Coach” for all of us. Your legacy is unmatched “BearDown” https://t.co/lP7FkbQmfe
— Noel Mazzone (@NzoneFootball) May 11, 2019
Former Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez
It was a great honor to know Coach Tomey. He was always supportive and he was a great coach and person. Thoughts and prayers for his family
— Rich Rodriguez (@RealCoachRod) May 11, 2019
Former Arizona coach Mike Stoops
Dick Tomey was a true icon and mentor for me as a young coach. He will always be a legend for Arizona football. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Tomey family. He will be missed. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/dTcE0tSlUr
— Mike Stoops (@Mike_Stoops41) May 11, 2019
NBC broadcaster Dan Hicks (Arizona grad)
Dick Tomey was all class. RIP Coach. @ArizonaFBall @AZATHLETICS
— Dan Hicks (@DanHicksNBC) May 12, 2019
Longtime Tucson sports mogul Mike Feder
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Dick Tomey. He was a special person. He will be missed. RIP Coach Tomey. Aloha pic.twitter.com/2OkDSBdXdB
— Mike Feder (@MikeFeder) May 12, 2019
Former player George Mihalopoulos
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