Tommy Brasher (1940 - 2025), NFL defensive line coach, devoted husband, father and grandfather died peacefully, surrounded by family in his home on Mercer Island, on January 20th. He is survived by his wife LaNelle and daughters Melodie and Christy.Brasher, an Arkansas native, brought his southern roots to the many parts of the country he called home. His sense of humor, charm and southern accent were all part of his firm but loving coaching style. He knew he wanted to be a coach starting in the 8th grade. He loved and lived with conviction and was never afraid to light a fire under someone he loved, just ask his players. If he took the time to chew a player out, they knew he cared. His stubborn, dry wit left many wondering if his bold statements were humor or not.As a player at University of Arkansas teammates looked up to him and he had a strong relationship with legendary coach Frank Broyles. He held various high school, college and WFL coaching positions throughout the South. Brasher broke into the NFL in 1982 with the New England Patriots as Defensive Line Coach. Over the next 30 years he coached for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Philadelphia Eagles (again!) and the Kansas City Chiefs. Among his many distinguished players were Hall of Famers Reggie White and Cortez Kennedy. It was when he joined the Eagles in 1999 that he hit his coaching stride under Head Coach, Andy Reid. His last 13 years of coaching under Andy led to 18 post-season games including a 2004 Conference Championship win and a Superbowl appearance.His life truly exemplified one of his favorite coaching phrases - "You don't have to do anything superhuman, just play as well as you can play and play as hard as you can play." In 2000, while coaching for the Eagles, he took just a few days off for a major surgery. He came back to work and successfully beat cancer, without missing a beat on the field. His drive and true love of the game were recognized by many. In 2001, he was one of the few coaches to ever be awarded the Ed Block Courage Award. In 2005, he retired from coaching (so we thought!).His heart and head always on the game, he consulted for the Eagles and was encouraged by Reid to return to coaching and in 2012 he obliged. In 2015, at 75 years old, Brasher was the oldest position coach in the NFL. He retired from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Players loved his southern sayings and his sensibilities. In 2022, Brasher was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.He and the love of his life, LaNelle, were married 62 years and bought and sold 17 homes together throughout the United States as he moved up in his coaching career. His two daughters were brought up loving football and with a keen sense of getting to know new communities. His four grandchildren can share his coaching stats and take great pride in the Superbowl ring he was awarded after the Chiefs' 2020 win. If you were lucky enough to be a guest at his Orcas Island, WA home you would be treated to a specialty like Coach Brasher's BBQ ribs, a ride in his fishing boat, views of sunsets on the Salish Sea and just maybe some silly singing and dancing on the deck.A devout Christian, he turned to the bible for clarification during times of uncertainty and as a tool to guide his days. He saw God in nature and loved spending time outside fishing, boating, walking, contemplating, and coaching.He truly embodied one of his coaching philosophies, intended for defensive linemen, but adaptable in many situations:"All you gotta do out there is keep your pads down and bring the full load of energy."-Tommy BrasherHe leaves behind and is greatly missed by:Wife: LaNelle Fuller BrasherChildren:Melodie Brasher Zakaluk (Ken)Christy Brasher Shiers (Brian)Grandchildren:Nicholas Brasher ZakalukBrennen Jon ZakalukNova Brasher ShiersZane Brasher ShiersBrothers:Steven Ferry Brasher (Anita)Phillip Ray Brasher (Monnita)Life-long friends:Herbert Ray Martin (Darlene)Hal Koppel (Sue)
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