Longtime Buffalo State offensive line coach Gene Zinni passed away Thursday, the Buffalo State Athletic Department announced Friday. He was 79.

“Gene arrived on my staff in 1990 which, coincidently, was the start of our great run of success throughout the 90’s,” said Jerry Boyes, Buffalo State head football coach and director of athletics in a statement. “He was a great friend who was so loyal to Buffalo State.  Devoted to his players and their development on and off the field, he lived his entire life doing what he loved, coaching the game of life through football.  He will be missed.”

Zinni spent 18 years coaching at Buffalo State over two stints. Zinni also coached at the University at Buffalo for 11 years and Sweet Home High School for 12 years.

Zinni was a member of UB’s notorious 1958 Lambert Cup football team, which turned down an invite to the Tangerine Bowl after learning that its two black players were not allowed to play in the game. Zinni was inducted into the UB Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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