Missouri Coach Dies Of Heart Attack

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

July 29, 1998 / 8:51 PM EDT / CBS Sportsline

Curtis Jones, Missouri assistant football coach and father of the team's starting quarterback, died Sunday night. He was 55.

Jones, who was the defensive line coach, died at Boone Hospital Center from a massive heart attack, the university said Monday.

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He had coached at Missouri since 1993, serving as tight end, running backs and defensive line coach. Jones played for Missouri in 1966 and 1967 before spending three seasons as a defensive lineman and linebacker in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Green Bay Packers.

Jones had suffered a heart attack on June 21, but reportedly had been doing well since.

Last season, Jones and son Corby helped lead Missouri (7-4) to its first winning season in 14 years, culminating with a 35-24 Holiday Bowl loss to Colorado State.

Jones is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, and three children: Curtis Jr., Corby and Kirra.