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How did Jim Fassel die? Ex-New York Giants coach was under sedation after chest pains

Fassel was living in Las Vegas where he died at the age of 71

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel has died at the age of 71. His son, John, told the Los Angeles Times that Fassel, who was living in Las Vegas, had chest pains on Monday, June 7, and was transferred to a hospital. However, while under sedation, he suffered a heart attack and breathed his last. It has been reported that his entire family has now gathered in Las Vegas to pay their last respects.

Fassel served as the coach of the New York Giants from 1997 to 2003. Under his guidance, the franchise appeared in Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens. He was also honored with the NFL’s coach of the year in 1997 as he led the Giants to a 10-5-1 record and a playoff berth.

He also spent several years of his professional life as a quarterback and offensive coordinator in the college ranks (Utah — where he was later head coach — Weber State, Stanford) and NFL (Denver, Oakland, Arizona, Baltimore). He was the head coach of the now-defunct United Football League from 2009 to 2012 as well.

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After the news of his death was out, tributes started pouring in for him on the Internet. One person tweeted, “I became a New York Football @Giants fan in 2001 when Jim Fassel was the head coach and they've been one of the biggest parts of my life ever since. RIP Coach and thank you for being a wonderful representative of the Football Giants.” Another one said, “Such a sad story, condolences to the Fassel family, and friends. #NFL #RIPJimFassel.” 

“Jim Fassel was one of the nicest coaches in the business. Never forget the interview he gave to @OysterBayBomber & @TomKeeganBoston when we were in Albany in 2002. Jim Fassel passed away Monday at the age of 71 in Las Vegas from a Heart Attack. RIP  #NYGiants #BigBlue,” a fan wrote.

The second one noted, “Very sad news: Jim Fassel has died. He was NFL Coach of the Year in 1997, and a good man.” Another tweet shared in memory of Fassel read, “Prepped at Anaheim High School, won a JuCo national championship for Hal Sherbeck at Fullerton JC, earned a letter at USC and finished playing at Long Beach State before being a 7th round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1972. RIP.” 

A user shared, “Always sad to see the past coaches we knew so well age and pass away. Jim Fassel had professional success and, at 71, a great run. He left a NFL legacy for his family. #Fassel #RIP.” Another user stated, “Horrible news. Fassel made the early 2000s a joy to watch for @Giants fans. He also brought some incredible coaches to prominence later in their careers.”

“Damn I played with John at Weber State met Jim when he coached the UFL Locomotives really great guy and coach,” the third user added. “One of the great coaching rants/soundbites...THIS TEAM IS GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS!  RIP, Coach,” another tribute tweet stated. 

Another tweet read, “Deepest sympathy to the family of Jim Fassel, who was once quarterback/assistant coach of the Hawaiians of the World Football League #HawaiiFB #StarAdvertiser.” “Jim Fassel never looked the part but I remember him. My Great-Uncle was the lawyer for the Mara's & so we had tickets to #Giants games. I was at the game the week he said, ‘THIS TEAM is going to the Playoffs! If you're in, get in; if you're out, get out,’” a tweet noted.