Former UK assistant coach Steve Ortmayer, who passed away Tuesday, was beloved by his players. (UK Athletics Photo)
Former Kentucky coach Rich Brooks called it a “very sad day” when he learned of the passing of Steve Ortmayer, his former assistant coach at UK, Tuesday.
“He loved Kentucky and his knowledge was instrumental in the turnaround. Quality! Football Man!! Our best to his family,” Brooks posted on Twitter.
Ortmayer had a successful NFL coaching career and won a Super Bowl ring with the Oakland Raiders before joining Brooks’ staff at UK to coach tight ends and special teams.
He passed away Tuesday morning after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer just a few weeks ago.
The tributes immediately rolled in on social media from former UK players, including tight end Jacob Tamme. Ortmayer loved Tamme as soon as he started coaching him. He predicted if Tamme got drafted by the right NFL team he would stay in the league a long time — and he did for nine years.
Tamme always talked about how much Ortamyer loved UK and Lexington. Ortmayer and his wife stayed in Lexington after Brooks retired and new coach Joker Philips did not keep Ortmayer on staff, a major mistake. Ortmayer became a frequent guest on sports radio shows offering insights on UK football that were accurate and easy to understand.
“Of all the people who came to the program during the Brooks era, you would think this California guy with an NFL background might be the last one to go ‘all-in’ on the ‘this place really matters to me’ plan,” Tamme posted on Twitter. “But you’d be totally wrong. He developed a love and a passion for the UK program that was second to none. Last week I was able to visit him and there we were, talking about the strengths and weaknesses of this fall’s roster!
He absolutely loved to compete. He was a real competitor & a special man. Quirky and (occasionally) quick tempered but also the sweetest guy with the best dry sense of humor. Not sure they make them like Coach Ort anymore. Thankful I got to call him my coach and my friend.”
Tim Masthay became an all-SEC punter under Ortmayer and also had a long NFL career.
“Hell of a guy, hell of a coach, impossible not to smile every time I was around him,” Masthay posted.
Perhaps my favorite post came from former All-SEC linebacker Wesley Woodyard.
“‘Heck Wes if they don’t want to play you on Defense … I’ll play you on every special team I got.’ Words from Coach Ort after my first game of my freshman year. He always believed in me and pushed me to be the best young man I could be on and off the field. Love ya coach Ort!” Woodyard, who has also had a successful NFL career, posted.
Former Kentucky cornerback David Jones said his heart was “crushed” by Ortmayer’s death.
“Coach Ortmyer was the reason I was an All-SEC player! I never liked the return game but he made me fall in love with it! I’m going to miss Coach!” Jones wrote on Twitter.
Another former UK defensive back, Winston Guy, who also played in the NFL, said Ortmayer was the “one coach that believed in me” during his time at Kentucky.
Ortmayer was just a good, honest man who cared about helping others. He could push and inspire his own unique way but he was never too busy to talk. I cannot think of a coach I enjoyed having on a radio show more than Ortmayer and I learned when he told you something, believe it.
Kentucky football has lost two good men in the last few months in Schlarman and Ortmayer who were a lot alike. Players loved them and respected them. They both believed in Kentucky football and loved UK fans.
Maybe today they are enjoying a conversation about next season’s depth charts or schedule because they were both always “all-in” for the Big Blue.
