Former Tulsa Football Coach Steve Kragthorpe Dies After Battle With Parkinson's Disease

Former Tulsa Football Coach and Class of 2024 Tulsa Hall of Famer Steve Kragthorpe has died at 59 after a battle with Parkinson's Disease.

The University said Kragthorpe died on Sunday.

Kragthorpe was the TU head coach from 2003-06, posting a 29-22 record in four seasons.

"On behalf of The University of Tulsa, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Coach Steve Kragthorpe whose legacy and impact on the Golden Hurricane football program are undeniable. His dedication, leadership, and passion for the game left an indelible mark on the student-athletes who played for him and our community overall. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time," said University of Tulsa President Brad R. Carson.

Kragthorpe was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 2024, leading the Golden Hurricane to three bowl-game appearances after taking over a team with a 2-21 record over the past two seasons.

He led TU to it's first conference championship win over UCF in 2005 in the C-USA.

"We are truly heartbroken at the loss of a TU Hall of Fame Coach who rekindled the championship spirit of Tulsa Football in a remarkably short period of time," said Tulsa Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Moore. "Our deepest sympathies go out to Coach Kragthorpe's family, friends and former players during this difficult time."

Kragthorpe went on to coach at Louisville for three seasons (07-09), finishing with a 15-21 record.

"I knew Steve as an outstanding and authentic offensive football coach," said TU Head Football Coach Kevin Wilson. "When he got the head job at Tulsa, he revitalized the program to a championship level. As TU's head coach, when I interact with his former players, they show how much they loved Coach Kragthorpe. He will be missed greatly."