Legendary Ogden Basketball Coach Phil Russell Passes Away After Battle With COVID-19

OGDEN, Utah – Legendary Ogden Tigers girl’s basketball head coach Phil Russell passed away following complications from COVID-19.

Russell, who spent 42 years at Ogden High, died on Tuesday, November 3, due to complications from the coronavirus disease. He was 75 years old.

“Ogden School District is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Phil Russell,” Ogden School District posted on social media. “Coach Russell was been a stalwart in the Ogden community, having devoted his life to the betterment of others. We extend our sincerest condolences to the Russell family.”

Ogden School District is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Phil Russell.
Coach Russell was been a stalwart in the Ogden community, having devoted his life to the betterment of others. We extend our sincerest condolences to the Russell family. pic.twitter.com/PF4yFpbO95

— OgdenSchoolDistrict (@ogdensd) November 4, 2020

During his time as a coach for the Tigers, Russell led Ogden High to five state titles and 10 region championships.

“As great of a coach as he was, his best role was as a husband and father. Nothing ever came before his family,” Russell’s son, Mike, shared on Twitter. “He will be missed dearly.”

Coach Russell’s obituary highlighted best his love for coaching and educating.

“Phil worked as an educator in the Ogden School District for 42 years; 40 of which were spent at Ogden High School where he taught U.S. History, sociology, and driver’s education. He poured his heart and soul into Ogden High School up until the day he entered the hospital. For 38 years he could be found coaching football, baseball, softball, and volleyball; however, his true love and passion was coaching girl’s basketball where he would prove to be one of the most successful basketball coaches in the state of Utah. His teams won 10 region championships, 5 state championships, and he amassed 502 career wins. Phil was the recipient of many awards throughout his teaching and coaching career and was a proud member of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, the Ogden High School Hall of Fame, as well as the Tooele High School Hall of Fame.”

It is a very sad day in the Ogden Community to lose one of the greats. We will have the honor this season to represent Phil and the legacy he built for OHS Girls Basketball.#tigersstandasone #tigersforlife🐅 #allinthistogether❤️ #ichooseogden pic.twitter.com/c8jnU5TPNg

— Ogden High School (@Otowntigers) November 4, 2020

According to the Deseret News, Russell, his wife, and one of the couple’s sons tested positive for the virus in September.

After struggling to breathe, the former Tigers coach was admitted to the hospital. He was put on a ventilator and moved into the intensive care unit.