Former Yale coach Tony Reno, who led the school to 5 Ivy League football championships, dies at 52

Yale University's football coach Tony Reno, who guided the team to five Ivy League championships, has passed away at the age of 52, the school announced on Friday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Reno stepped down as Yale's coach in February due to health issues and has been on medical leave since the conclusion of the previous season.

Yale athletic director Victoria Chun expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an "extraordinary member of the Yale Athletics family." Reno committed his life to serving others, displaying humility, compassion, and purpose in all he did. He believed in the power of mentorship and invested greatly in the success and well-being of his players, colleagues, and friends.

During his tenure, Reno had an overall record of 83-49 and ranked second in career victories for Yale coaches, only behind Carm Cozza with a record of 179-119-5. Yale defeated its archrival, Harvard, seven times out of the past nine matchups under Reno's leadership. Notably, the Bulldogs came back from a 42-14 deficit in the third quarter to defeat Youngstown State 43-42 in its first postseason game, although they lost to eventual FCS champion Montana State 21-13 in the following round.

Chun emphasized that while Reno's achievements on the football field were impressive, it is the relationships he built and the lives he changed that truly define his lasting legacy. The Yale community is offering condolences to Toni, Dante, Angelina, Vince, and the entire Reno family during this difficult time.