The Ohio University football community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of former defensive coordinator Ron Collins, who passed away at the age of 61. Known as much for his deep football knowledge as for his humility and heart, Collins leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to student-athletes both on and off the field.
Collins served on the Ohio Bobcats’ coaching staff for a decade (2011–2021), spending the last three years as the team’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach. His promotion in February 2019 was a testament to his impact during his earlier roles as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.
“Pam and I were very sad to hear of Ron’s passing,” said Frank Solich, Ohio’s legendary former head coach and NFF Hall of Fame inductee. “In the decade he was in Athens, Ron added tremendous value to our program both on and off the field. The defense’s consistently strong performance, as well as the young men who were a part of the program, spoke to the kind of coach and man he was.”
A Coach Who Built Men, Not Just Athletes
Under Collins’ guidance, Ohio’s defense—particularly its linebacker corps—became a force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). From Noah Keller to Quentin Poling, his players not only racked up awards but also developed into respected leaders. Nine linebackers coached by Collins earned All-MAC honors, and two—Blair Brown (Jacksonville Jaguars, 2017) and Quentin Poling (Miami Dolphins, 2018)—made it to the NFL.
One of his standout seasons came in 2016, when Ohio’s linebackers accounted for 337 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. That same year, Ohio ranked fifth in the nation against the run, a testament to Collins’ discipline-first, fundamentally sound approach.
Safety Javon Hagan also flourished under Collins’ watch, earning First Team All-MAC honors in 2019 and finishing his career as a four-time conference selection.
But those who knew Collins say his legacy is far deeper than stats or awards.
“He was the kind of coach who checked in after practice, who made sure you were doing okay beyond the playbook,” one former player recalled. “He treated us like family.”
From Player to Mentor: A Lifelong Journey in Football
Before his coaching days, Collins was a standout safety and team captain at Washington State University, where he once intercepted three passes in a single game against Stanford in 1984. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1987, he later completed his master’s at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1991.
His coaching journey spanned decades and included various collegiate roles before he found a lasting home at Ohio, where he became an integral part of the Bobcats’ success and culture.
Born in Wenatchee, Washington, and a proud graduate of Cashmere High School, Collins lettered in football, wrestling, and track—laying the foundation for a lifetime of passion for athletics and personal excellence.
A Family Man and a Legacy That Lives On
Collins is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their two daughters, Taylor Rae and Alexandra. His family, like his players, knew him as a man of compassion, dedication, and integrity.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country—from players, colleagues, and fellow coaches—honoring not only a brilliant defensive mind but a man who made those around him better.
“Coach Collins taught me more than football,” one former Bobcat tweeted. “He taught me how to lead, how to stay humble, and how to keep pushing when things get hard. I’ll carry that with me forever.”
As the Ohio football program mourns this immense loss, Collins’ legacy endures in the young men he shaped, the victories he helped secure, and the hearts he touched.
Rest in peace, Coach Ron Collins. You gave the game—and your players—everything you had.