Cleveland legend lost: Dan Coughlin is dead

CLEVELAND (WJW) – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Dan Coughlin.

Dan was a legend in Cleveland sports journalism when he became a sportswriter for the Plain Dealer in 1964.

Dan joined Fox 8 in 1983 and was with us until last Friday night as a contributor to “Friday Night Touchdown” when he covered the St. Edwards vs. St. Ignatius game. We take comfort in the fact that Dan continued to do what he truly loved until his death.

We have truly lost a legend and a great friend.

A local “staple”

Representatives from Coughlin's alma mater, St. Edward High School, said on X that they were “deeply saddened.”

They described Coughlin, a member of the Class of 1956, as a “wonderful champion” of Catholic education “and a tireless supporter of the green and gold.”

The Saint Ignatius Wildcats called it “heartbreaking news” in a social media post Sunday.

“Dan was an integral part of high school football in Northeast Ohio,” the post said. “We were proud to welcome Dan to Friday Night Touchdown at the Saint Ignatius/Saint Edward game last Friday. Our thoughts are with the Coughlin family and the FOX 8 community!”

The Kirtland Hornets stats team on X called Coughlin a “legendary figure.”

“He left a great legacy and our prayers go out to his friends and family.”

Fellow Northeast Ohio journalists also shared kind words on social media Sunday.

“Such a nice man. He always had a smile,” Russ Mitchell wrote on X. “Rest in peace.”

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