Carl Torbush died according to the ETSU athletic department, although the actual cause of death has not been released. He died on Sunday, November 6, 2023 at the age of 72. Carl Torbush was a former American football coach who had a long and successful coaching career.
He started coaching in high school before heading to college. During his career, he has coached at Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State and Carson-Newman College. He also served as head football coach at Louisiana Tech University in 1987, the University of North Carolina from 1997 to 2000, and East Tennessee State University from 2013 to 2017. Overall, he has a career record of 31-48 as a head coach and spent he spent 42 years as a football coach.
Cause of death and obituary of Carl Torbush
Carl Torbush, a native of East Spencer, passed away quietly in his sleep on Sunday evening, November 6, 2023. The ETSU athletic department made an official announcement of his passing. Torbush was diagnosed with ALS last week, but the specific cause of death was not released. He has previously battled cancer. While serving as Kansas’ defensive coordinator in 2010, he was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer and underwent surgery to address it.
He made a full recovery and returned to coaching before retiring in December 2017. Carl Torbush’s wife, Janet, and son Trey Torbush. Trey Torbush is the son of the late Carl Torbush and his wife Janet. Trey Torbush (born February 26, 1990) attended American Christian Academy before transferring to Carson-Newman, where he played football for the Eagles.
Football community reacts to his loss
ETSU President Brian Norland said the late coach will be remembered for his vision and integrity. Norland complimented Torbush’s leadership and advice as the school resumed its football program after a 10-year sabbatical. UNC’s Mack Brown revealed his thoughts on Torbush, writing on X (formerly Twitter).
“We lost a great guy too soon. Coach Torbush had a significant positive impact on the lives of many people. He enjoyed football, especially defense. Brown also mentioned Torbush’s position as the architect of one of college football’s best defensive backs during the 1996 and 1997 seasons at Carolina. Carolina Football also joined in, writing to X to express their condolences to Coach Torbush’s family during this difficult time.