David A. Levy

1932 - 2023

October 23, 1932 - November 15, 2023 David A. Levy passed away on November 15, 2023 at the age of ninety-one after battling a lengthy illness, according to his son John Levy. David A. Levy was born October 25th, 1932 in Carrollton, Missouri and moved to California with his family when he was eleven.
Levy graduated from Long Beach Poly High School only to return to lead its football team on to two CIF championships in three years. He studied at Long Beach City College for two years and transferred to UCLA, where he not only played in the Rose Bowl but also earned a Masters of Physical Education in 1954.
Levy began his collegiate coaching career at USC in 1960 as an Assistant Coach under John McKay and, for the next 16 years, was involved in four national championships. His oldest son John played USC football during his tenure and his younger son, Robert, graduated from the University. Levy remained at USC as an Assistant Athletic Director (1976-1979) and was inducted into the 11th Class of USC'S Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
In 1980, he joined the NFL's Head Coach Don Coryell of the San Diego Chargers and held multiple positions, including offensive coordinator, reaching the AFC championship twice. In 1989, Levy was hired by the Detroit Lions under Head Coach Wayne Fontes where he once again held multiple positions, including Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. The Lions appeared in one NFC championship. Over the course of Levy's decades-long career, he coached several outstanding players, including the legendary Barry Sanders, Charlie Joiner and Dan Fouts. Following his tenure with the NFL, he was invited to join the coaching staff of NFL Europe, the Canadian League and the XFL. But even retirement at the age of 82 didn't dampen his passion. "That first year of retirement," he remarked, "was the most boring year of my life." That is, until shortly thereafter when he signed up to coach and mentor players from Harvard Westlake and Fairfax High Schools.
Esteemed by the football community for his deep knowledge of the game, he was also highly respected for his innovative and supportive coaching style, a mild-mannered, teaching approach, unlike his more gruff but good friend Marv Goux. Up until his passing, he frequently received phone calls from the up-and-coming coaches he'd mentored asking for his advice. He enthusiastically obliged each and every one. Although Levy's greatest passion was football, he also loved his wife and family, and looked forward to chatting with acquaintances over his regular morning coffee and sweet roll at Los Angeles' Fairfax Farmer's Market.
In 1954, he married Maryls Bray, and they had two sons, John W. Levy and Robert C. Bray. He later married Barrie Levin of Beverly Hills on Christmas Day in 1978. He is survived by his wife Barrie, his aunt Clara Lowry of Long Beach, and children: John W. Levy of Reno, Nevada; Robert C. Bray of Las Vegas, Nevada; Ariel Levin and Karen Cearley of Los Angeles; and Laurie Levin of Pacific Palisades.
A donation in David Levy's memory may be made to UCLA's Athletic Program by either sending a check to the UCLA Foundation @ PO Box 24044, Los Angeles, CA 90024 or directly online to the woodenathleticfund.com. A celebration of his life will take place on the UCLA campus at the next David Geffen School of Medicine's Ceremony of Thanks honoring Donated Body Program donors.