Florida Gators
Hurricane Classic - Day 1
Former UF player and assistant coach Lindy Infante dies; 1989 NFL Coach of Year
Thursday, October 8, 2015 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Once his days as a player were over, Lindy Infante spent a year working toward an architecture degree. However, when an opportunity to coach was offered, Infante changed directions.
“Well, here is the fork in the road, what are you going to do?” Infante asked rhetorically in 2013 prior to his induction into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame. “I chose coaching.”
Infante died Thursday in St. Augustine after a long illness according to The Associated Press. He was 75. Infante played at Florida from 1960-62 and later returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach from 1968-71.
He was inducted into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame in 2013 in Jacksonville. Here is a Q&A I did with Infante for GatorZone.com.
RIP TO MY FORMER COACH LINDY INFANTE
— leroy butler (@leap36) October 8, 2015
Infante served twice as an NFL head coach, first in Green Bay from 1988-91, and then with Indianapolis in 1996-97. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1989 after leading the Packers to their only 10-win season between 1973 and 1995.
The UAA released the following statement after confirming Infante's death: "Gator Nation has a heavy heart today after learning of the passing of Lindy Infante. Florida fans have great memories of Lindy as both a player and a coach, and he'll forever be remembered for the countless lives he touched."
Thoughts, love & prayers to Stephanie & family on passing of coach & friend Lindy Infante. He was the consummate father, husband & coach.
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) October 8, 2015
We offer our condolences to Infante's wife of 50 years, Stephanie, and his family and friends.
