Johns Hopkins Football Coach Dies At 58

Johns Hopkins University head football coach Jim Margraff has died, university officials announced Wednesday. He was 58.

The winningest coach in Hopkins history and state history, Margraff amassed a record of 221-89-3 in his 29 seasons at his alma mater. Just two weeks ago, after leading the Blue Jays to their first ever national semifinal game, Margraff won the Division III National Coach of the year award.

LISTEN: WBAL's Keith Mills talks about the passing of Jim Margraff

"Jim Margraff was a thoughtful, humble, passionate and exceptionally talented leader and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time," athletic director Alanna W. Shanahan said. "He left an indelible impact on all he touched and he made us all better. We will forever be thankful for the unparalleled experiences he provided for so many over the course of his highly successful career."

Margraff treated players like his sons; he molded young athletes into young men. He lived with humility, always deflecting praise to his assistants and his players. Jim Margraff didn't merely elevate a football program, he elevated all of the people who passed through his program.

A 1982 Hopkins graduate, he coached for 29 years. In that time, the Blue Jays posted 14 league championships and 10 trips to the playoffs. He coached the team to more wins than any other coach in school or state history, and was third in wins among active Division III coaches

He led the Blue Jays to a 12-2 record last season, the best in school history, and a 10th-straight Centennial Conference title. The team advanced to the NCAA semifinals for the first time in school history last year.

He is survived by wife Alice and children Megan, James and Will. Alice Margraff graduated Hopkins in 1989, while Megan Margraff graduated in 2017.

Devastated to learn of the passing of Jim Margraff. Winningest football coach in Johns Hopkins history, and just named National D-3 Coach of the Year. One of the nicest people I've ever met in this job.

This was a few weeks ago getting ready for Mt. Union in the Final 4. pic.twitter.com/AUlXSn9w8r — Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) January 2, 2019

Unreal to hear of the passing of Hopkins football coach Jim Margraff. He was truly one of the finest people I ever had the chance to meeting in Baltimore sports or any town’s sports. RIP Jim. You leave a legacy of pure class. — Gerry Sandusky (@GerrySandusky) January 2, 2019

Devastated doesn't even begin to describe the feeling of the passing of Hopkins football coach Jim Margraff. Absolute CLASS in every way — Keith Mills (@KeithMills1090) January 2, 2019

This report will be updated.