Former Memphis and Vanderbilt football coach Fred Pancoast passed away on Sunday. He was 90 years old.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Pancoast spent a few years as the head football coach at Tampa. He held that title from 1962-63.
In 1972, Pancoast received his second head coaching gig. The Florida native had a 20-12-1 record during a three-year span.
Before Pancoast retired from coaching, he spent four years at Vanderbilt. The program went 13-31.
Countless people from the sports world have been sharing their fondest memories of Pancoast on social media this week.
Former Vanderbilt, Memphis football coach Fred Pancoast dies at 90 https://t.co/Kuwh859eFP
— Tennessean (@Tennessean) April 11, 2023
“I remember that Vandy coach Fred Pancoast did not appreciate Kentucky coach Fran Curci going for a 2-point conversion after a TD late in UK’s 53-2 win over Vanderbilt in 1978. RIP, Fred Pancoast,” John Clay said.
I remember that Vandy coach Fred Pancoast did not appreciate Kentucky coach Fran Curci going for a 2-point conversion after a TD late in UK’s 53-2 win over Vanderbilt in 1978. RIP, Fred Pancoast. https://t.co/ySgyWPly2Q
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) April 11, 2023
“Those Tigers were really good,” Jarvis Greer tweeted. “He actually recruited me, but left for the SEC. (Memphis was an independent. He wanted to be in a League). Good Man.”
Those Tigers were really good!
He actually recruited me, but left for the SEC. (Memphis was an independent. He wanted to be in a League). Good Man. https://t.co/8GftKp2dwU— Jarvis Greer (@JarvisGreerWMC) April 11, 2023
“Good coach, should have never left us for Vandy,” one person wrote.
Good coach, should have never left us for Vandy. https://t.co/6GLXLb3jeD
— Richard Coleman (@rmcoleman14) April 11, 2023
In 2007, Pancoast received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Our thoughts are with Pancoast’s loved ones at this time.