Len Casanova - Later Life, Honors, and Death

Later Life, Honors, and Death

After retiring from coaching in 1966, Casanova served as the Oregon's athletic director from 1967 to 1970 during which time Autzen Stadium was completed. He remained closely associated with the University of Oregon for many years and was active in numerous fundraising efforts and special projects that improved the school's athletic facilities.

From 1969 to 1973, Casanova served on the NCAA football rules committee. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977 and received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award in 1990. The award given to the freshman or newcomer of the year on the Oregon football team is named the "Len Casanova Award" in in his honor.

In 1991, the University of Oregon in decided that Casanova's distinguished record merited an exception to State Board of Higher Education policy regarding the naming of buildings after living persons. In honor of Casanova's 40 years of contribution to the Ducks’ athletic fortunes, Oregon's new athletic department facility was named the Len Casanova Athletic Center.

While still active at age 96 and attending reunions with his former players and coaches, Casanova sat for an interview in 2002 and named some of the highlights of his coaching career:

• Most memorable game: Santa Clara's 1950 Orange Bowl win over Kentucky
• Most exciting game: Oregon's 1958 Rose Bowl against Ohio State
• Most memorable players coached: Mel Renfro, Dick James, George Shaw, Hall Haynes, John Hock, Ahmad Rashad, and Dave Wilcox
• Best coaching opponent: Jim Owens of Washington

Casanova died following an extended illness on September 30, 2002, at Sheldon Park Assisted Living in Eugene, Oregon. At the time of his death, many Oregonians credited Casanova with building the foundation for Oregon's national status.

"Everything that Oregon athletics is today, it owes to Len Casanova," said Bill Moos, Oregon's athletic director. "He has been the pillar, the strength and the inspiration for our program for over 50 years."

Said Oregon football coach Mike Bellotti after Casanova's death, "We lost a great man. He definitely left his mark not just on the University of Oregon but on football in general."