Former Arizona Football assistant coach Calvin Magee passes away

After suffering a heart attack just days ago, former Arizona Football assistant coach and offensive coordinator Calvin Magee has passed away.

It is tough when you lose someone, and it is even worse when that someone is from your own family. In this case, the Wildcat family lost a dear loved one with the passing of former Arizona Football assistant coach Calvin Magee.

Making news on Friday morning, Jacksonville State announced the passing of Magee, just days after he had suffered a heart attack. Calvin was only 59.

A former mainstay of the Wildcats for several years, Magee joined former Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez in Tucson as he helped coach the Wildcats as an associate head coach, co-offensive coordinator, and running backs coach from 2011-17.

Calvin was a big part of Arizona’s offensive success as Rich Rod and Co. implemented the prolific spread offense that brought Arizona some of its best success in program history during that stretch.

However, since leaving Tucson, Magee had made a few coaching stops at New Mexico (2018), Ole Miss (2019), and Duke (2021).

Following his lone season at Duke, Magee was set to reunite with coach Rodriguez as Calvin and he teamed up at Jacksonville State. Magee accepted a position back to be an associate head coach and offensive coordinator back in December 2021.

Unfortunately, that will not happen with Calvin’s tragic and untimely passing.

Following his passing, Rich Rodriguez, his friend and colleague had some touching and heartfelt words to say.

“Our hearts are broken with the loss of our beloved friend Calvin Magee,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “Calvin was a great husband, great father and grandfather, great coach, great friend and great man. He impacted my life and the lives of so many others in such a positive way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family – wife Rose, daughters Jade and Jasmine, son Bryson, his grandchildren, and all his friends and relatives. Our world is less, but heaven got better. I miss him dearly already. I love you my brother.”

At Zona Zealots, we are saddened by the loss of coach Magee. The Wildcat family lost a good one, and we wish his family, friends, and loved ones nothing but the best. Our prayers are with everyone!