University of Bridgeport Community Saddened By the Passing of Long-time Head Coach Fran Bacon

Bridgeport, Conn.-The University of Bridgeport and the UB Department of Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of legendary Purple Knights' head coach Fran Bacon, who died after a lengthy illness in Arizona over the Thanksgiving Weekend at the age of 80.

Bacon worked on the sidelines as the head coach of the Bridgeport men's soccer program for 18 seasons from 1969 through 1986 when the team made 10 NCAA Championship appearances plus amassed a school-record 169 career wins, and he also served as head baseball coach for the Purple Knights from the 1970 season through the 1987 campaign.

In 2011, the University of Bridgeport honored his great contributions to athletics at UB with the creation of The Fran Bacon Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching which is given out at the University's Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony to a Bridgeport or Arnold College graduate that has gone on to a distinguished career in the coaching profession.  Long-time Saint Joseph's High School in Trumbull head boys basketball coach Vito Montelli received the inaugural Fran Bacon Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching last year.

University of Bridgeport Director of Athletics Jay Moran stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Bacon's family and friends.  He was truly one of the pioneers of Bridgeport athletics helping to bring a culture of class and excellence that we continue to carry on in our programs today."

Current University of Bridgeport head men's soccer coach Brian Quinn, who just completed his thirteenth season on the Purple Knights' bench and who is second to Bacon in all-time victories with 128, added, "It's a sad day on the soccer field to learn of Coach Bacon's passing, and all of us send out nothing but good thoughts to his family and friends.  I'm truly honored to be able to carry on the tradition of excellence that a man like Fran Bacon help create making Bridgeport one of the top soccer programs in the East, as his 10 NCAA appearances and 169 wins speak for themselves."

A private service was held for Coach Bacon in Arizona this week, and a public celebration of his life will take place this summer.  Details will be made available as soon as they are finalized.