Though Gerry Faust, who died Monday at 89, had a 30-26-1 record coaching Notre Dame, he said he "was the happiest guy in the world."

Former Notre Dame coach Gerry Faust, who was hired directly from the high school ranks in the 1980s, died on Monday, the school confirmed in a statement. He was 89. Faust was hire

Faust brought an outgoing personality and unwavering optimism that were refreshing. He deserved the fairytale everyone expected when he was hired.