College officials announced the death of the former head football coach in a statement on their website Tuesday.

We are saddened to announce the passing of former COC football head coach, physical education faculty member, and Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Larry Reisbig. 

Reisbig passed away on Monday, April 10, in Newport Beach. He was 78.

A member of the COC football program’s inaugural coaching staff in 1970, Reisbig was eventually named head coach prior to the 1973 season. In his first year at the helm, he led the Cougars to a conference title and trip to the state playoffs. 

Reisbig went on to coach nine seasons at COC (1973-1981), amassing a 51-38 record and winning a second conference title in 1975 with a young quarterback by the name of Chuck Lyon under center.

“He was my coach, mentor, friend, and my second dad,” said Lyon, who both played and coached under Reisbig, and currently serves as the college’s Dean of Physical Education, Kinesiology, Athletics & Athletic Director. 

“I learned so much about life from that man,” added Lyon. “I’m at College of the Canyons today because of him, no doubt about it.”

After COC temporarily disbanded its football program in 1981, Reisbig left the college but continued his coaching career with stops at Pasadena City College, Long Beach State University, Orange Coast College and Long Beach City College. He retired from the sidelines in 2002, but later returned to LBCC where he served as the school’s athletic director from 2003 to 2010.

Reisbig was inducted into the COC Athletic Hall of Fame on Jan. 22, 2009. He has also been honored with induction to the Long Beach City College Hall of Champions (2010), and the California Junior College Football Coaches Hall of Champions (2006)

Reisbig is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patty, his son Mike and daughter Stephanie, along with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ed. Note: This story was a statement from College of the Canyons officials.