Coach Sam Wyche is also part of the SCFHOF’s Inaugural 2013 Class. He was known as the one who helped Joe Montana win his first Super Bowl as the passing game coordinator in San Francisco, he rehearsed with Dwight Clark the play that became “The Catch” and introduced the no-huddle offense to the NFL that led the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII as the AFC Champions. Of course, the Atlanta native is also known for giving back to his South Carolina community that became his home after leaving the NFL. Even though he spent a lot of his post NFL coaching career traveling while nationally broadcasting football games, mentoring, and public speaking, his heart was always here in South Carolina with his family and his wife Jane.
The Furman graduate would assist the football team at Pickens High School in South Carolina, be the color analyst for his alma mater’s football games, help create the first two collegiate all-star games in South Carolina history, and promote, volunteer, and raise money for the Pickens County Meals on Wheels Organization. In 2016, Coach Wyche had heart failure and received a transplant that saved his life. That ordeal led him to become a national advocate for “Donate Life”, a program that encourages everyone to be an organ donor. In 2019, he was diagnosed with melanoma that ultimately took Coach Wyche from us three days before his 75th birthday on January 2, 2020. When it came down to it, Coach Wyche left a national impression on everyone he coached,
mentored, and encountered. After his passing, SCFHOF Chairman and President David S. Wyatt released this statement:
“Sam Wyche lived life to the full every day. I witnessed his passion for life and love for his God, wife, family and community. We are honored to have him as a member of our inaugural class of the SCFHOF and look forward to helping keep his incredible legacy alive for generations to come. He was a natural born world shaker and the world is a better place because of Sam Wyche. Our
warmest condolences to his wife Jane, their family and all of his many friends, colleagues and fans.”