The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Athletics Mourns Loss of Hall of Fame Football Coach and Athletics Director Jim Dennison
January 05 | General
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron is saddened by the loss of legendary Hall of Fame football coach and athletics director Jim Dennison, who passed early Monday morning his family announced.
Dennison was head football coach of the Zips from 1973 to 1985. His philosophy was simple-- PMA – Positive Mental Attitude. It has always been his way of life. Our players believed in themselves and attacked obstacles positively with a never-say-die attitude. A refusal to quit and great determination to succeed became Dennison trademarks.
Dennison led Akron to the 1976 NCAA Division II National Championship, earning runner-up with a 24-13 setback to Montana State in the Pioneer Bowl. He was named the Kodak National Coach of the Year while leading Akron to its first 10-win season in program history. In 1982, Dennison earned Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors, and in 1985 ranked 10th nationally. During his 21 seasons at UA, he recruited or coached 32 All-Americans, 18 All-OVC picks and three OVC Players of the Year.
Dennison finished his tenure at Akron with an 80-62-2 overall record, the most wins in program history. His 13-year Zips head coaching career immediately followed the eight years he served on Gordon Larson's staff, first as an assistant and then as associate head coach.
In December 1985, Dennison was named associate athletics director in 1985 before serving as athletics director from 1986 until 1993. As AD, he helped Akron become the first school to transition from NCAA Division I-AA to I-A in 1987 and spearheaded its move to the Mid-American Conference.
After his stint with the Zips, Dennison served as head football coach and athletics director at nearby Walsh University (1993-2012). In his 18 seasons as head coach (1995-2012), he guided the Cavaliers to 14 winning seasons and a 119-77 record. In 31 years as a collegiate head coach, Dennison amassed a record of 208-139-2.
He is survived by his wife Sue, four children Denise (Mike) Morrow, Jim (Karen) Dennison, Greg (Ann) Dennison, Matt (Beth) Dennison, 10 grandchildren Kelly (Eric) Homa, Jaimie (Brian) Vencl, Mandi (Ryan) Unruh, Megan Carman, Max (Michelle) Dennison, Clay (Aleatha) Dennison, Adam (Mary) Dennison, Emily Dennison, Hannah Dennison-George (Aaron), Abigail Dennison-Walker (Buzz) and 13 great-grandchildren with more on the way.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.at Auble-Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home in Wadsworth (174 N Lyman St. Wadsworth, OH 44281).
Funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at The Chapel in Wadsworth (1391 State Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281).
