Tuskegee University offensive line coach Fred Ellis passes away

Fred Ellis/Source: Tuskegee University Athletics

The Tuskegee University community is mourning the loss of former student-athlete and current offensive line coach Fred Ellis.

Tuskegee University officials tell Action 8 News that Ellis passed away Monday. The cause of his death was not made available.

Ellis joined the Golden Tigers coaching staff as the offensive line coach following the 2021 season after two stints at Miles, spanning over eight seasons,

“The news of Fred’s passing is incredibly sad,” said head coach and former Tuskegee teammate Aaron James. “Fred was an instrumental piece to this program during both of his stints here, one as a player and one as a coach. Our university and program are incredibly sad this day has come. We want to keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts, as he will forever be missed.”

In 2008, Ellis began his coaching career coaching tight ends at Jackson State. In 2009, he moved to Stillman, where he coached the offensive line. During his tenure with the Tigers, his line opened holes for future NFL running back Quinn Porter, who led Black College Football in rushing as a senior and allowed the fewest sacks in the SIAC.

Ellis was a two-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection on the offensive line at Tuskegee, earning First Team honors in 2000 and a Second Team selection in 2001.

Ellis was 44 years old.

To read more about Ellis’ life, click here.