Legacy and Influence
George Darlington, a longtime assistant coach for the Nebraska Huskers, passed away in Lincoln at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that spanned three decades of college football.
From 1973 to 2002 he served under Dr. Tom Osborne, helping the Huskers capture three national championships and 14 conference titles while coaching defensive ends early in his tenure and later guiding the secondary.
A scholar as well as a mentor, Darlington earned a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and two advanced degrees from Stanford, beginning his coaching journey at Johnson Regional High School in New Jersey before moving into college programs.
After his Nebraska years he held coaching positions at Marshall, Louisiana Tech, Southeast Missouri State and San Diego, retiring in 2010, yet he continued to teach a Football 101 class on campus and authored a 150‑page textbook that became a staple for players and enthusiasts.
Even in retirement Darlington remained a constant presence in the Memorial Stadium press box, often offering quiet counsel to coaches and players with a characteristic smile, and he was known for his particular disdain for fade routes inside the opponent’s 10‑yard line.
His contributions extended beyond the field, shaping generations of athletes and leaving an indelible mark on the culture of Nebraska football, an impact still felt by current staff and former players alike.