Marv Harshman Dies: Iconic Washington Hoops Coach Dead At 95

Husky nation is mourning the loss of one its greats today.

According to the Seattle Times, Marv Harshman, one of the University of Washington’s most successful basketball coaches, died Friday morning at the age of 95.

Harshman’s son, Dave, said his father passed away of natural causes at an assisted-living facility in Tacoma, where he had been living for the past two years.

“We obviously lost a legend,” said current UW coach Lorenzo Romar, who played for Harshman. “I learned so much from coach. He is one of the main reasons I’m here at the University of Washington. I went to Washington expecting to play with a legendary coach. I didn’t know I would get the bonus of playing for a legendary person.”

Born October 4, 1917 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Harshman excelled as an athlete as a youngster. By the time he graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1942 he had won 13 letters in four sports.

After a three-year stint in the Navy, Marv kicked off his coaching career, first taking over at his alma mater of Pacific Lutheran University (1945–58), where he also was the head football coach from 1951 to 1957, compiling a 27-26-2 record.

Harshman then began a 13-year tenure at Washington State University posting a 151-185 mark from 1959-71.

In 1972, Harshman moved to the University of Washington, replacing Tex Winter.

In 14 years with the Huskies, Harshman led the program to four 20-win seasons and five postseason appearances. His overall record of 246-146 with Washington is second on the school’s all-time wins list.

Harshman completed 40 years of coaching in 1985 as seventh-winningest coach in college basketball with a 642-448 record.

After his final year of coaching, Harshman was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

His 1,090 total collegiate games coached is the ninth highest in Division I history.

In memory of Marv Harshman’s life, here is a tribute to the legendary Husky basketball coach.