Auburn, South Alabama remember Kurt Crain

The South Alabama Jaguars have lost a coach and Auburn has lost a legend: Former Tigers All-American linebacker and USA assistant Kurt Crain died Tuesday at

The South Alabama Jaguars have lost a coach and Auburn has lost a legend: Former Tigers All-American linebacker and USA assistant Kurt Crain died Tuesday at his home at the age of 47, according to a school release. The university says only that "foul play is not suspected," but Al.com reported the cause of death last night as a "self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Crain had been part of the South Alabama football staff since 2008, a tenure during which he coached linebackers and served as associate head coach.

USA head coach Joey Jones spoke glowingly of Crain in a released statement: "In my opinion, Kurt was one of the best overall coaches I’ve ever seen.  He cared about the players, they respected him greatly and he was a tremendous football coach and motivator.  I think about what a great man and what a great teacher he was for these young men."

Auburn blog The War Eagle Reader has a simple, moving remembrance: "When I think of Auburn linebackers I think of Kurt Crain. When I think of Auburn people I think of Kurt Crain. I think of Kurt Crain. Kurt Crain died yesterday. I really, really wish he hadn’t."