Terry Donahue Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Career Journey, and Personal Life (2025)
Terry Donahue was a renowned American football coach, executive, and broadcaster, celebrated for his transformative impact on college football and the NFL. Best known for his legendary tenure as head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Donahue’s leadership and vision left an indelible mark on the sport, making him one of the most respected figures in American athletics.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Terry Joseph Donahue |
| Profession / Occupation | Football Coach, Sports Executive, Broadcaster |
| Birth Date | June 24, 1944 |
| Age | 81 (as of September 2025) |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Head Coach of UCLA Bruins, NFL Executive |
| Known For | Winningest coach in UCLA history, College Football Hall of Fame |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm), 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Education | UCLA (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Married to Andrea Donahue |
| Relationship | Married |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Relatives | Private |
| Hobbies | Golf, Reading, Philanthropy |
| Employer/Organization | UCLA Bruins, San Francisco 49ers, CBS Sports |
| Years Active | 1965–2021 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $10 million (2025) |
Early Life & Education
Terry Donahue was born on June 24, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in Southern California, he developed a passion for football at an early age, inspired by the region’s vibrant sports culture. Donahue attended St. Charles Borromeo School and Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, where he excelled as a student-athlete. His talent on the field earned him a spot at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played as a defensive tackle and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
Career Journey
Early Beginnings
Donahue began his football journey as a walk-on player at UCLA, quickly earning respect for his work ethic and leadership. His coaching aspirations took root soon after graduation, leading him to various assistant coaching positions.
UCLA Bruins Era
- Became head coach of UCLA in 1976 at age 31, the youngest in school history.
- Coached the Bruins for 20 seasons (1976–1995), achieving a record 151 wins—the most in UCLA history.
- Led the team to five Pac-10 championships and four Rose Bowl appearances, winning three.
- Developed numerous NFL-caliber players and fostered a culture of academic and athletic excellence.
Transition to NFL Executive
- Joined the San Francisco 49ers as Director of Player Personnel in 1999.
- Promoted to General Manager (2001–2005), overseeing successful drafts and team-building strategies.
Broadcasting & Later Years
- Served as a college football analyst for CBS Sports, providing expert commentary and insights.
- Remained active in sports philanthropy and community outreach until his passing in 2021.
Personal Life
Terry Donahue was married to Andrea Donahue, and the couple had three daughters. He was known for his dedication to family, often speaking about the importance of balance between professional and personal life. Donahue enjoyed golfing, reading, and supporting charitable causes, particularly those related to youth sports and education.
Awards & Achievements
- College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2000)
- Five Pac-10 Conference titles
- Three Rose Bowl victories
- UCLA’s all-time winningest coach
- AFCA Coach of the Year (1985)
- Numerous community service awards
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
- Hair Color: Gray
- Eye Color: Blue
Quotes
“Success is not just about winning games, but about building character and preparing young people for life.”
“The greatest legacy a coach can leave is the positive impact on the lives of his players.”
“Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and lead by example.”
Controversies
Terry Donahue maintained a reputation for integrity throughout his career. While some critics debated his conservative coaching style during certain seasons, there were no major public controversies or scandals associated with his name. His leadership was widely respected both on and off the field.
Favorites
- Favorite Sport: Football
- Favorite Book: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
- Favorite Movie: “Remember the Titans”
- Favorite Food: Grilled steak
- Favorite Place: Pasadena, California
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Terry Donahue’s estimated net worth is $10 million. His earnings stemmed from his long-standing career as a head coach, NFL executive, and sports broadcaster. During his peak coaching years at UCLA, his annual salary was reported to be in the upper six figures, with additional income from endorsements, speaking engagements, and broadcasting contracts. Industry benchmarks for top college coaches and NFL executives during his era ranged from $500,000 to over $2 million annually.
Interesting Facts
- Donahue is the only coach to win a bowl game in seven consecutive seasons.
- He was the first former walk-on player to become head coach at his alma mater (UCLA).
- Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, he mentored dozens of future coaches and NFL stars.
- He was an advocate for student-athlete welfare and academic achievement.
- Donahue’s legacy is celebrated annually at UCLA with the “Terry Donahue Award.”
Social Media Links
- Facebook: UCLA Bruins Football
- Twitter/X: @UCLAFB
- Instagram: @uclafootball
- LinkedIn: UCLA LinkedIn
- YouTube: UCLA Athletics Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Terry Donahue?
Terry Donahue was a legendary American football coach, executive, and broadcaster best known for his tenure as UCLA Bruins head coach and as a San Francisco 49ers executive.
How old was Terry Donahue?
As of September 2025, Terry Donahue would have been 81 years old.
What was Terry Donahue’s net worth?
His estimated net worth was around $10 million, earned through coaching, executive roles, and broadcasting.
What made Terry Donahue famous?
Donahue was famous for being the winningest coach in UCLA football history and for his leadership both in college football and the NFL.
Did Terry Donahue have a family?
Yes, he was married to Andrea Donahue and had three daughters.
What awards did Terry Donahue receive?
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and earned multiple coaching honors, including the AFCA Coach of the Year.
Conclusion
Terry Donahue’s remarkable journey from walk-on player to Hall of Fame coach and respected NFL executive is a testament to his dedication, vision, and enduring impact on American football. His legacy continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and fans alike. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with fellow sports enthusiasts and help celebrate the life of a true football legend.
Sources: ESPN, College Football Hall of Fame, Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles Times, UCLA Athletics, NFL.com
