Legendary Alcorn football coach Marino Casem dies at 85

Former Alcorn State University head football coach Marino Casem passed away at his home last night at the age of 85.

Known as “The Godfather,” Casem was the head football coach at Alcorn for 22 seasons and served as director of athletics for 20 years. He is the winningest football coach in the history of Alcorn athletics, with a record of 132-65-8 from 1964-1985.

Under Casem’s leadership, the Braves won seven SWAC football championships. He was also named SWAC Coach of the Year seven times during his tenure at Alcorn.

As an athletic director, Casem led the effort in building the Davey L. Whitney Complex, home to the Alcorn basketball and volleyball programs, which opened in 1975.

Casem was named to the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1992, Alcorn Hall of Fame in 1993, College Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Casem’s legacy will definitely live on.