Former University of Toledo football coach Jack Murphy has died, according to university officials.

Murphy, who coached the Rockets from 1971-76, led Toledo to a 12-0 record in his first season. Murphy took over for legendary coach Frank Lauterbur, who led the Rockets to records of 11-0 in 1969 and 12-0 in 1970.

Murphy was charged with protecting a 23-game victory string and became a key part of UT's famous 35-game winning streak that stretched from 1969-71.

Toledo finished with a 35-32 record under Murphy.

“Rocket Nation mourns the loss of former head football coach Jack Murphy, who passed away this weekend,” university officials said on Twitter. “Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Current Toledo football coach Jason Candle also offered his condolences on social media.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Murphy,” Candle wrote on Twitter. “Coach Murphy was a great man who had a tremendous impact on the foundation of Rocket football. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

A native of Barberton, Ohio, John A. (Jack) Murphy was born in 1932. He came to Toledo as an assistant coach under Clive Rush in 1960. Murphy then became the defensive coordinator under Lauterbur in 1963. He led defenses that helped produce UT's first Mid-American Conference title in 1967 and helped get the 35-0 streak started in 1969.

When Lauterbur left to become the coach at the University of Iowa, Murphy returned to the school after a one-year absence to take the reins for the 1971 season. Murphy had been coaching at Heidelberg College.

The Rockets, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Chuck Ealey and defensive tackle Mel Long, went 12-0, including a 28-3 victory over Richmond in the Tangerine Bowl.

The 35-0 streak was snapped in the 1972 season-opener on the road against the University of Tampa. Murphy stepped down following the 1976 season.

Murphy is a 1954 graduate of Heidelberg College, where he won All-Ohio Conference honors as an end and linebacker.

He was named MAC coach of the year following the 1971 season and finished his career with the second-most wins in UT history.

Murphy was then inducted into the Barberton, Heidelberg, and UT athletic halls of fame.

In 2006, Murphy told Blade columnist Dave Hackenberg that keeping the winning streak alive was a daunting task.

“Sure, it still means a lot. It wasn't easy. There were a couple of games that provided some uptight moments,” Murphy said. “It makes me feel good when folks come up and say, 'Hi, coach.' A lot of people still remember, which is nice. [Murphy laughs.] It's either that or they can't think of my name and 'Coach' is just easier.”

First Published January 11, 2021, 2:29 a.m.