Former Coach Commits Suicide

Wayne McDuffie, who left a legacy as a Florida State football player because of his penchant for physical fitness and as a coach because of his role in recruiting Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, was found dead at his Tallahassee home Friday night.

McDuffie, 52, shot himself in the chest near the swimming pool behind the family’s house in Killearn, friends said. His wife, Toni, a former FSU cheerleader, found McDuffie’s body.

Fired from his job as offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia in December, McDuffie told FSU coaches he was a candidate for offensive line coach with the Miami Dolphins. Earlier Friday, the team announced the hiring of Larry Beightol for the job.

A native of Hawkinsville, Ga., McDuffie also coached at New Mexico (1974), Oklahoma State (1975-76), Georgia (1977-81), the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL (1982 and 1990) and again at Georgia (1991-95). xxxx