American football has suffered a great loss today as they mourn the loss of the man who made a major impact on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. This retired head coach lived an eventful life that will be cemented in the minds and hearts of fans, after all, he was the one who initiated the ‘Triple Option’ or spread offense to Hawaii! 

Bob Wagner’s presence in UH gave the program a turnabout when he led Hawai to their first top-20 finish. Under his coaching, the team also secured an appearance at the 1989 Aloha Bowl and the 1992 Holiday Bowl. With everything he contributed to Hawaii college football, it is with a heavy heart that fans accept the tragic news. 

Former UH head coach Bob Wagner passes away at 76

In a Twitter post, Hawaii Football posted a heartbreak and condolence message for Bob Wagner and the Wagner family. It posted a photo of the late football head coach that read, “Rest in Aloha.” Hawaii Football captioned the post, “We are heartbroken to share that former head coach Bob “Wags” Wagner has passed away after battling recent health challenges. Our deepest condolences are with the Wagner’ Ohana at the time.“

The Wagner family released a statement via Hawaii Athletics on Wednesday announcing his passing on Tuesday in Hawaii. The family revealed that the former UH head coach passed away from recent health complications, although the cause isn’t mentioned. They wrote, “Our loving husband and father touched many lives throughout Hawaii and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.” 

Indeed, as Bob Wagner’s journey comes to an end, fans are grieved as they remember all the feats and undertakings that he had accomplished during the 76 years of his life. He was one of the best head coaches the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors ever had, leading them to their debut top-20 finish in 1992. 

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The news of his passing grieved so many fans who took to social media to post their sadness and condolences to the family. One user wrote, “Thank you for all the great UH football memories. Favorite memories were UH smashing BYU @ Aloha Stadium after Ty Detmer won the Heisman and UH beating Illinois in the 1992 Holiday Bowl!” Leaving a rich legacy behind, the memories of the legend will live on forever in the hearts of fans. 

Bob Wagner – A name to remember

Before he took up a coaching career, Bob Wagner played as an offensive tackle for three seasons with the Wittenberg Tigers. During his college football journey as a head coach, the 2-time WAC Coach of the Year led the Rainbow Warriors to their first WAC title in 1992. He was also the only UH head coach to lead his team to win against their rival BYU three times. 

From his time as the Hawaii head coach from 1987-95, Bob Wagner finished with a record of 58-49-3. In 2007, he was inducted into the UH Sports Circle of Honor. The UH hero retired from football in 2012 to spend more time with his family and wife, Gloria, with whom he traveled across 67 countries. 

A retired football legend, a loving husband and father, and a wonderful human being. There are no words to express the void Bob Wagner left behind with his passing. But he will always hold fans’ best perspectives for years to come. 

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