Former Yale football coach Tony Reno, who guided the Bulldogs to five Ivy League championships, has died at 52, the university announced Friday.
Tony Reno, who led Yale football from 2012 through 2025, died at age 52, the university announced Friday. No cause of death was given.
Reno had stepped down from his coaching position in February because of health issues and had remained on medical leave since the end of last season.
Reno finished his Yale tenure with an 83-49 record, making him the second-winningest coach in program history behind Carm Cozza.
His 14-year run included five Ivy League championships, beginning with Yale’s 2017 title, its first since 2006. His final season added another milestone.
Yale became the Ivy League’s automatic qualifier for the FCS playoffs and earned the first postseason victory in program history by overcoming a 28-point deficit against Youngstown State to win 43-42.
Reno’s connection with Yale began before his head-coaching tenure. He spent six seasons as a Bulldogs assistant from 2003 to 2008 before later working at Harvard. He returned to Yale as head coach in January 2012.
Yale athletic director Vicky Chun said Reno’s influence extended beyond his accomplishments on the field, emphasizing his commitment to mentorship and his relationships with players and colleagues.
Current Yale coach Kevin Cahill also described Reno as a coach who prioritized family, player development and leadership.
Reno is survived by his wife, Toni, and their children, Dante, Angelina and Vince.
His son Dante was Yale’s starting quarterback last season and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record and the Ivy League championship.
