Dave Nichol, USC assistant football coach, dies at age 45

Dave Nichol, whom USC hired as its inside wide receivers coach in December, passed away on Friday, the athletic department announced in a press release.

Nichol was 45 years old.

“We are heartbroken and devastated,” head coach Lincoln Riley said in the release. “Dave was such a tremendous human being and a fantastic football coach. He absolutely loved the game and constantly poured his heart and soul into his teams. He will be dearly missed.”

Nichol spent the previous two seasons in the same role at Mississippi State. He also previously coached at Washington State, East Carolina, Arizona, Baylor, Cisco (Tex.) Junior College and Texas Tech, his alma mater, where he met Riley.

Riley announced on Monday that Nichol was stepping away due to a private medical matter ahead of spring camp. He had been battling cancer, according to multiple reports.

He is survived by his father, Robert; his brothers Robert Jr. and Jimmy; and family. Details on a memorial service have not been announced.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Riley said. “We, as a program, look forward to playing and coaching for him as we move forward.”