BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Terry Todd, the only Western Washington University assistant football coach inducted into the Viking Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away on May 26, 2026, at age 90.

Todd coached at WWU for 18 years, from 1987 to 2005, after 13 years (1972-84) as a football assistant at Bellingham High School, his alma mater (lettered two years in football and three in track), and two years (1985-86) at Squalicum High School. He was inducted into the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame (established in 1968) in 2007.

Western's inspirational football award bore Todd's name for five years and he received the "W" block blanket award. Todd was part of six conference titles and five national playoff runs during his time with the Vikings.

A successful businessman while coaching, Todd also was a volunteer throughout his life.

Todd coached six All-Americans at Western – three running backs, Jon Brunaugh (Vancouver/Columbia River), Scott Lohr (Olympia), and Ryan Wiggins (Bremerton/Central Kitsap), and three kicking specialists, Peter LaBarge (Woodinville), Wade Gebers (Quincy), and Michael Koenen (Ferndale). Brunaugh became the school's all-time leading rusher; and Koenen punted in the National Football League for 10 seasons.

The last 17 years of Todd's 33-year prep and college coaching career were spent at Western under Hall of Fame head coach Rob Smith. Smith said Todd's positive attitude was instrumental in developing players into All-Americans.

"He believed in and had confidence in those he coached," Smith said. "He was a quiet motivator who spoke in a calm voice. He could help players see the positive in their work."

Koenen said Todd's demeanor, which never resembled that typically associated with a football coach, was a factor in his decision to attend Western, along with his development as a player.

"I was there for five years, and he didn't yell at me once," Koenen said. "That's where our personalities worked well together. I didn't need to be yelled at to be motivated."
Smith said Todd's approach worked especially well when applied to the kicking game.

"He was going to put his arm around you and give you a hug whether you made it or missed it. I think kids need that and appreciate that."

Illustrating how Todd's approach worked. Between 1987 and 2005, Western had a string of five four-year starters at placekicker – one right after the other. That group, which included LaBarge, Dan Clemensen (Tacoma/Curtis), Gebers, Josh Bailey (Bellingham) and Koenen, made all-conference 16 times in 18 seasons.

But to Todd, the people themselves were always more important than any awards, statistics or seven-figure salaries they might have.

"It's the players as a group that you just love," Todd said in an interview while coaching at Western. "Whether they're All-American or not really isn't as important as their character. It's the relationships that matter."

After retiring from coaching, Todd took time to travel and visit many of his former players, along with their wives and children.

He also had more opportunities to watch three of his grandchildren compete in a game he began playing in a leather helmet more than 70 years ago.
While Todd posted some impressive numbers during his time as an assistant football coach at Western, one of those big numbers came in a surprising category – wedding invitations.

While at Western, Todd lost count of how many of his former players invited him to their weddings, but the number was huge. In one year, he and wife Kitty attended 28 ceremonies for couples both inside and outside the Viking football family.

But Todd's quick smile and positive outlook did more than net wedding invitations. It made him both an outstanding coach and a lifelong friend.

"What stands out is the number of players who stayed in touch with him – both those he coached directly and those he didn't," said Smith. "They stay in touch with Coach Todd. And that says everything you want to know about the relationship he built with the players in this program."

In retirement, Todd continued to make an impact on his former players, A tradition he started during his tenure at Western and continued after his time with the Vikings was to call his players on Christmas morning.

Todd is survived by his wife of 68 years Kitty (Kink), and three grown sons, Rock (Mayumi), Terry II (Kari) and Rick, all WWU graduates; and their children.

The family plans to hold a memorial service on a to-be-announced date and place in mid-July.