Former Alabama Defensive Coordinator, Carl Torbush, Dies at 72

East Tennessee State University announced in a press conference on Monday that Carl Torbush had died.

A cause of death was not given, but North Carolina's athletics department noted that Torbush passed away "after a period of declining health in a Knoxville hospital."

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Torbush served as ESTU's head coach when the school brought back their football program in 2013. He announced his retirement in 2017.

ESPN reported in a press conference from the time that Torbush stated, "I don't want to be 72 and coaching football. I want to be able to enjoy football. I want to be able to enjoy some of the other things in life."

The long-time coach has now passed away at that age of 72.

Torbush's previous notable coaching time includes serving as a coach at the University of North Carolina. He was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 1988-1997, then served as the head coach from 1997-2000.

The coach then switched schools to the University of Alabama, serving under head coach Dennis Franchione as a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the 2000-2001 season.

The Tampa Bay Times reported on Coach Fran's comments on Torbush at the time: "Carl Torbush is one of the premier defensive coordinators in the nation," said Franchione, "and is a coach who is familiar with the SEC."

Alabama ended that year with a 7-5 season, including a win in their bowl game against Iowa State.

Before the game, Torbush spoke to the Tuscaloosa News about the ACC referees, some of who might have remembered him.

"I'll have to find out who it is," he said. "Some like me a whole lot, and some don't like me as much. I'm sure the ACC will send a great crew. As long as we win, we will like them."