Lee Rose, the orchestrator of two Final Four runs within a four-year span, passed away on Tuesday. The legendary college basketball coach, who had been battling Alzheimers since 2015, was 85 years old.
The Charlotte Observer was the first to report Rose’s death after a spokesman from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte confirmed the news.
Rose began his head coaching career as the leader of the Charlotte 49ers in 1975. In just his second season leading the program, he helped the team to an unexpected Final Four appearance.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of coach Lee Rose, a wonderful gentleman who led the 49ers to the 1976 NIT Finals and 1977 Final Four. Our thoughts are with his dear family and many friends, players and colleagues,” the Charlotte program wrote on Twitter.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of coach Lee Rose, a wonderful gentleman who led the 49ers to the 1976 NIT Finals and 1977 Final Four.
Our thoughts are with his dear family and many friends, players and colleagues. 💚https://t.co/KcDRjaCAcn pic.twitter.com/seSssBpARi
— Charlotte 49ers (@Charlotte49ers) April 5, 2022
After his incredible three-year stint with the 49ers, Rose took over at Purdue. In his second and final season with the Boilermakers, he mounted yet another Final Four run.
“Lee Rose, Purdue basketball’s predecessor to Gene Keady and head coach in 1979 and 1980, has passed away. Our thoughts go out to the Rose family,” the Purdue program wrote on Twitter.
Lee Rose, Purdue basketball’s predecessor to Gene Keady and head coach in 1979 and 1980, has passed away.
Our thoughts go out to the Rose family. pic.twitter.com/WHBSkjr1m2
— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 5, 2022
Rose finished his head coaching career with a six-year stint (1980-86) in South Florida leading USF. Despite his previous tournament success, his Bulls never made an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Through 11 years of head coaching at the collegiate level, Rose amassed a 228-105 record. He finished his coaching career as an NBA assistant for San Antonio, New Jersey, Milwaukee and Charlotte.
Our thoughts are with the Rose family through this difficult time.
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