Gary Gaines and his Texas high school football team provided the inspiration for the iconic “Friday Night Lights.” The coach died Monday at the age of 73 in Lubbock, Texas, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
“Following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, it is with great sadness that the family of Coach Gary Gaines announces his peaceful passing this afternoon. Memorial plans will be announced in the coming days. Thank you for remembering our family in your thoughts and prayers,” his family said in a statement.
Gaines spent three decades coaching, notably at Odessa Permian from 1986-1989. Gaines went 47-6-1 during that stretch and led the team to a perfect season that ended with a state title in 1989.
