Iowa State University says assistant football coach Curtis Bray, who spent the last five seasons as the defensive line coach for the Cyclones, died this morning in Ames. Bray was 43 years old. A cause of death has not been released.
Bray joined head coach Paul Rhoads’ staff in his first season in 2009. “Curtis Bray was a dear friend to me and to all he ever came in contact with,” Rhoads said in a statement released from the university. “He was a trusted and loyal assistant coach who always put the kids and the team in front of his work. He was as genuine in his approach to relationships, coaching and life as anyone I have ever been associated with. We will miss him dearly.”
Bray was an assistant at Temple prior to his arrival in Ames. His relationship with Rhoads was cultivated at the University of Pittsburgh, where Bray coached seven years. Bray was the linebackers coach while Rhoads was defensive coordinator with the Panthers.
Bray is survived by his wife, Heather, a daughter, Sydney, and a son, Colden Charles.