Utah Utes football: Former coach, athletic official dies after a fall

Former University of Utah associate athletic director and assistant football coach Ned Alger died Monday morning following a brief period in a hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Alger, 80, was on a family trip in Cabo San Lucas, where he fell on a staircase last Thursday, sustaining head trauma. He was transported to the Texas hospital where he remained until his death. He was with his wife and family members at the time of the accident.

Alger served as an assistant football coach from 1957-66 under Jack Curtice, Ray Nagel and Mike Giddings. Among the players Alger tutored was future NFL coach George Seifert. Alger worked under athletic directors Bud Jack, Arnie Ferrin, Jim Copeland and Chris Hill.

He was an administrative assistant from 1969-71 and an assistant A.D. from 1972-93. He coached at Pleasant Grove High for four years, going 31-4-3 before joining the U. staff. A University of Utah media guide said he played halfback at BYU from 1947-50.

— Brad Rock