Jumping from the high school ranks to lead one of the most storied programs in college football, he lost games but rarely lost hope.

Former Notre Dame coach Gerry Faust, who was hired directly from the high school ranks in the 1980s, died on Monday, the school confirmed in a statement. He was 89. Faust was hire

Akron, Ohio – Gerry Faust, the gravel-voiced Cincinnati high school coach who lived a dream by becoming the coach at Notre Dame, has died. He was 89. Notre Dame said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the family confirmed Faust's death. No details were immediately provided.