during the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014 in Pasadena, California.

Former Tim Tebow coach has unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 64

Before Tebow exploded, he coached the rising star.

According to Jacksonville.com, former high school and college coach Craig Howard tragically passed away unexpectedly on Thursday night at the age of 64.

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Howard most recently was the head coach at Southern Oregon University since 2011. He coached Tim Tebow during his time at Nease High School. Howard's spread offense at Nease helped Tebow's meteoric rise to a state title before heading to the University of Florida.

During Howard's time at Southern Oregon, he led the Raiders to a 50-23 record and won the NAIA championship in 2014,

Our thoughts are with his family.