SOUTH BEND — Iconic former Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian has died, the university announced this morning. He was 94.

“Notre Dame mourns the loss of a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and good man – Ara Parseghian,” Father John Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame, said. “Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field.

“He continued to demonstrate that leadership by raising millions of research dollars seeking a cure for the terrible disease that took the lives of three of his grandchildren. Whenever we asked for Ara’s help at Notre Dame, he was there.

“My prayers are with Katie, his family and many friends as we mourn his passing and celebrate a life that was so well lived.”

Arrangements are pending.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE DEATH OF A NOTRE DAME LEGEND: