Frank Orgel

Coach Frank Orgel, beloved and admired football coach, passed away at his home in Auburn on Friday, March 22, 2024, after a long, twenty-year battle with ALS. Coach Orgel is survived by Sarah, his wife of fifty years, their daughter Leigh Ann Orgel Mathis, son-in-law Cary Mathis and grandson Weston “Buddy” Mathis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sara Orgel, and his brother, David Orgel, all of Albany, Georgia.

Coach Orgel was born on May 13, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Albany, Georgia, at a young age. He is a graduate of Albany High School and the University of Georgia. While at Georgia, Frank roomed with his future fellow coach and life-long friend, Pat Dye.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United State Army and played football for the 101st Airborne. While playing military football, he and Pat Dye met again as adversaries on the military gridiron. After fulfilling his military duties, Frank played professional football for the Buffalo Bills. His love of football then led him into forty-plus years of coaching which included Warner Robbins High School, Florence State College (University of North Alabama), East Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, South Carolina, and the University of Georgia. After coaching, he became the Athletic Director for Dougherty County School System in Albany, Georgia where he served from 1995-2001. Soon after he was diagnosed with ALS, Frank and family moved back to Auburn to enjoy life surrounded by old friends, players, and football.

Frank quickly renewed his friendship with the Auburn community and was embraced by the Auburn University Lettermen’s Club and surrounded by fellow coaches and players. Even though Coach fought his biggest opponent outside the stadium, it was not unusual for him to be seen in his powerchair at football practice and games, even in recent months.

The family wishes to thank all of those who fought and cared for Coach during recent years. Their support, care, and assistance especially from Synergy, Compassus, and other caregivers and friends in the Auburn community, made it possible for Coach to live out his final years at home.

They also thank the ALS Association for their support and partnership. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in memory of Frank Orgel to the ALS Association, 300 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 209, Birmingham, AL 35242.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, March 28th, 5-7pm CT at the Auburn University Club Pavilion, 1650 Yarbrough Farms Blvd, Auburn, AL. Chette Williams, Auburn University football team chaplain, will preside. Plans for a service in Albany, Georgia will be announced later.