Lyle Smith, the Godfather of Boise State athletics who built the football program into a national power, has passed away in Boise, the university confirmed Wednesday. He was 101.
“Lyle Smith was one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever been around. … There was so much respect,” Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said from the Mountain West Football Media Summit in Las Vegas. “He’s meant so much to the program.” Click here to watch Harsin’s interview from Vegas.
VIDEO REACTION FROM LAS VEGAS: Jeff Caves and Bob Behler pay tribute to Smith from the Mountain West Football Media Summit.
Sad day…losing a friend and a Bronco legend…Godspeed Lyle…
Posted by Michel Bourgeau on Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Smith, who still attended Boise State football camps and practices every year, including last year, won a junior college national championship with the Broncos in 1958 and eventually became the school’s athletic director. He retired in 1981.
STATEMENTS FROM BOISE STATE LEADERS
- “Football has played a dominant role in Boise State University’s success over the years, and Lyle Smith started it all. He was the leader and the coach who established the record of excellence that continues to exist today. Along with so many of our fellow Broncos, we are saddened by his death but heartened to know his memory and his legacy will persist for many years to come.” – Bob Kustra, university president
- “We are forever grateful to Lyle for his leadership both as a coach and an administrator. What you see today – a blue collar mentality and a culture of hard work in every way – was established by Lyle long ago, and because of him, will always be part of who we are.” – Curt Apsey, athletic director
The famed blue football field at Albertsons Stadium bears his name. He won 156-of-186 games he coached at Boise Junior College from 1947-67. The next two football coaches he hired as athletic director had a combined record of 130-40-2.
In 2016, Boise State unveiled a statue of Smith in front of Albertsons Stadium.
During the Broncos’ 2007 Fiesta Bowl appearance against Oklahoma, Smith was featured on the live national broadcast.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION TO SMITH’S DEATH
Rip Lyle Smith: The Godfather of Boise St Football pic.twitter.com/zPkn62h3HR
— Jeff Caves (@JeffCaves) July 26, 2017
He'll always be a part of Bronco Nation.
Learn more about the legacy of Lyle Smith at https://t.co/Wfmi7TPkCQ.
— Boise State (@boisestatelive) July 26, 2017
Sad that Boise State Coach Lyle Smith passed at 101 yrs old. Here's a current pic of his field; rain clouds, yet the sun shines through. pic.twitter.com/R4vHvm9gX6
— Eric Kile (@erickile) July 26, 2017
Our condolences go out to the Smith family and the Boise State community. A true icon across the state, from Pocatello to Moscow to Boise. pic.twitter.com/xYVMct4zYb
— Idaho Vandals (@Idaho_Vandals) July 26, 2017
Boise State lost a legend overnight with the passing of Lyle Smith. Coach Smith was 101. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on. pic.twitter.com/6q4rO0bng2
— Boise State Broncos (@BroncoSports) July 26, 2017
Lyle Smith was truly one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my 12 years so far in Boise.https://t.co/zeKqbAtNpI
— Dave Southorn (@davesouthorn) July 26, 2017
RIP coach Lyle Smith you gave this earth everything you could for 101 years. You'll always be remembered 😪
— Jeremy McNichols (@JeremyMcNichols) July 26, 2017
Lyle Smith won 156 games as head coach of the Broncos. He lost only 25. I'm sure he's being carried off the field once more. pic.twitter.com/Dmmpr2wbBP
— Drew S. Roberts, Esq (@mybrainissmart) July 26, 2017
Rest in Peace Coach. One of the coolest moments of my life was meeting him almost 20 years ago. Go Broncos #BoiseState #LyleSmith #Legend pic.twitter.com/hfNZbYBAfm
— rob shaw (@BlondeBasque208) July 26, 2017
Farewell, coach. Rest in peace.
Posted by Idaho Statesman on Wednesday, July 26, 2017
