Husker fans rally behind former Husker coach Charlie McBride and wife

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Former Husker coach Charlie McBride and his wife, Deborah, are facing a difficult stage of life.

Deborah has severe dementia, and, according to the GoFundMe, her care has become increasingly challenging.

Husker fans and former players have created a GoFundMe for the McBrides, saying Charlie was more than a coach.

Charlie McBride was an assistant football coach for the Cornhuskers for 23 years from 1977 to 1999, serving as the defensive coordinator for the last 18 years.

McBride is widely credited for making the Blackshirts defense aggressive and pressure-based.

Kent Titze, the GoFundMe creator and member of Huskers N Arizona, said its the Husker fans turn to pay it forward.

“Perhaps you remember his legendary Blackshirt defenses and those national championship seasons. Perhaps you simply appreciate the men who helped make Nebraska football a source of pride for generations. Perhaps you simply believe that when someone has spent a lifetime giving to others, we should be there when they need us,” Titze wrote.

As of Nov. 11, over $32,000 has been raised for Charlie and Deborah McBride.