Akron says assistant coach killed in car accident

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Alan Arrington, an assistant football coach at the University of Akron, was killed Monday in a car accident in his native Mississippi. He was 44.

Arrington, nicknamed Tank, was an assistant head coach on Terry Bowden's staff and also worked with the offensive line. He coached at North Alabama and Mississippi earlier in his career.

"We have lost someone who was truly special and had dedicated his life to guiding young men," Bowden said in a release. "Tank was a very good friend and a great person. My thoughts are with his family and those who had the chance to know him and play for him.

"In all my years of coaching I have never known someone who loved and cared for his players more than Tank. I have lost a best friend and I'm heartbroken."

Arrington was in his second season at Akron. He graduated from Ole Miss in 1994.

"The Zips family has suffered a great loss," Akron athletic director Tom Wistrcill said. "Tank was a wonderful representative of the University and our team, and our thoughts are with his family and friends in this difficult time."