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Former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller passes away at 74
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Former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller has died according to multiple reports. He was 74.
Kelly Kitchel, a former offensive lineman for the Boilermakers and current sideline reporter for Purdue Radio Network, tweeted out a statement that Tiller had passed away on Saturday morning.
Today is a sad day for myself, teammates and all of Boiler Nation. Coach Tiller has passed away. One of the great influences in my life.
— Kelly Kitchel (@Kelly_Kitchel) September 30, 2017
Purdue’s official Twitter account confirmed the report later in the morning.
We are saddened to report that Joe Tiller has passed away in Buffalo, Wyoming. Condolences to Arnette, Julie, Renee and Mike. RIP.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) September 30, 2017
Tiller brought an entirely new philosophy to the B1G and helped ignite Purdue football in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He served as the head coach of the Boilermakers from 1997-2008, posting an 87-62 record in 12 seasons.
Tiller was named the B1G Coach of the Year in 1997, his first season in West Lafayette. That year, he led the Boilers to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl after the team won just three games in 1996.
He was most well-known for bringing quarterback Drew Brees to West Lafayette and guiding to Purdue to a B1G title and a Rose Bowl appearance in the 2000 season. The Boilers earned 10 bowl bids in 10 years under Tiller’s direction.
Before heading to West Lafayette, Tiller was the head coach at Wyoming, posting a 39-30-1 record in six seasons with the Cowboys. He ended his career with 126 total victories and 11 bowl game appearances.
Tiller retired from coaching in 2008 as the all-time winningest coach in Purdue history.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB