IOWA CITY, Iowa – Former University of Iowa team Most Valuable Player and long-time assistant coach Bernie Wyatt passed away on April 1 at the age of 84.
Wyatt lettered for the Hawkeyes from 1959-61, leading the team in interceptions in 1960 and being named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1961. He was selected in the 1961 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 1962 AFL Draft by Houston.
Wyatt was a member of Iowa’s 1959 Rose Bowl team that defeated California, 38-12.
In 1974, after coaching one high school season in Long Island and a few more at Iowa City Regina, Wyatt joined Bob Commings’ staff at Iowa. Hayden Fry retained Wyatt as the Hawkeyes’ recruiting coordinator in 1979.
The Long Island, New York, native was deeply rooted in recruiting New York and New Jersey. He was instrumental in bringing the likes of Ronnie and Kevin Harmon, Andre Tippett, Owen Gill, Bob Kratch, Devon Mitchell and Leroy Smith to Iowa City.
No funeral services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation.
