CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Phil Ratliff, a former All-American offensive lineman and coach at Marshall before spending the past three seasons as an assistant at UNC Charlotte, died Sunday, days after suffering what doctors called a “cardiac event.”
He was 44.
Ratliff is survived by his wife Jenni and their children, Haley and Dylan.
He was Charlotte’s offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, joining the program’s relaunch as an FCS independent in 2012. The 49ers were preparing for their first season as a member of Conference USA when Ratliff was stricken last Monday.
We regretfully announce the passing of coach Phil Ratliff – an amazing man and was loved by all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/TjqUPHlFGB
— Charlotte Athletics (@Charlotte49ers) August 9, 2015
A release from the UNCC athletics department stated memorial services were being arranged.
“He was an amazing man and loved by all who knew him,” the release stated. “We appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers for the Ratliff family. They are beyond grateful for the overwhelming love and support.”
Ratliff coached tight ends at Marshall from 2006-2011, returning to his alma mater where he captained the Thundering Herd’s 1992 Division I-AA national championship team. He also started on the 1991 team that was national runner-up.
During a two-year coaching stint at James Madison, he was part of another FCS title squad in 2004.
The native of Louisa, Ky., was inducted into the Marshall Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ratliff announced his coaching departure from Marshall the day after the 2011 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl victory over Florida International:
“You’re a former player, a fan, a coach, there are so many emotions involved,” he said. “I love Marshall, I love this community and everyone knows that. I hate to leave this area, but I have to build a resume and my goal is to be a Division I head coach.”