Former University of Hawai’i Head Football Coach Bob “Wags” Wagner passed away on October 3 at age 76. Wagner, who had been battling ongoing health issues, was remembered fondly by his family and the community he touched.
“We are heartbroken to share that former University of Hawai’i Head Football Coach Bob ‘Wags’ Wagner has passed away after battling recent health challenges,” the family said in a statement. “Our loving husband and father touched many lives throughout Hawai’i and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
Wagner had a storied career as the head coach of the University of Hawai’i football team. In 1987, he took on the role of UH’s 19th head coach after serving as a defensive assistant for a decade. Over the course of nine years, Wagner led the team to numerous notable achievements. He guided UH to its first two NCAA-sanctioned bowl games, the 1989 Aloha Bowl and the 1992 Holiday Bowl. In 1992, his team became the first to clinch a share of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship and secured a spot in the Holiday Bowl, where they emerged victorious over Illinois with a score of 27-17. Wagner’s success earned him recognition as a two-time WAC Coach of the Year. He concluded his coaching career with an impressive total of 58 wins, including a commendable 7-3 record against opponents from the Big 10 and Pac 10 conferences.
Wagner’s impact extended beyond the football field. He holds a special place in the hearts of the University of Hawai’i community as the only head football coach to secure multiple victories against rival BYU in 1989, 1990, and 1992. After retiring from coaching, Wagner served as the first Athletics Director for the Hawai’i Campus of Kamehameha Schools.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wagner cherished his family and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Gloria. The couple explored 67 countries during their marriage. According to his family, Wagner always made time to celebrate the small, special moments in life, which became cherished family traditions. He had a deep affection for Hawai’i and its people.
“He never imagined a wonderful life like this,” his family said. Wagner passed away peacefully at his family home on Hawai’i island.
The loss of Bob “Wags” Wagner has left a void in the University of Hawai’i community and the wider football community. His legacy as a successful coach, a loving husband and father, and a man who celebrated life’s moments will be remembered by all who knew him.
