Legendary Radford Coach Norman Lineburg Passes Away At 89, Reuniting With Late Wife Joann In The Afterlife

May he rest in peace!

July 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 18, 2026

Norman Grayden Lineburg, a towering figure in Virginia high school football and a beloved mentor to generations of student-athletes, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89.

A coaching icon and devoted family man, Lineburg left behind an enduring legacy built on discipline, humility, and heart.

For over 37 years, Coach Lineburg led the Radford High School Bobcats football team, capturing multiple state championships and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential.

Upon his retirement, he held the Virginia High School League (VHSL) record for most games coached and ranked second in all-time wins.

In honor of his impact, the school named its football field after him.

Norman Lineburg Had A Coaching Career That Built More Than Wins

Lineburg’s coaching wasn’t just about playbooks and practice drills; it was about building character.

His former players and coaching peers remember him as someone who taught the importance of resilience, teamwork, and integrity.

One of his most notable coaching connections was with Frank Beamer, the legendary head coach of Virginia Tech.

Beamer served as a graduate assistant under Lineburg in 1971, a year in which Radford went undefeated and clinched the state championship.

That mentorship left an incredible mark on Beamer, who credited Lineburg with shaping his own coaching philosophy.

Lineburg was also the uncle of Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Mike Young and the father of Robert Lineburg, the current athletic director at Radford University.

Following his passing, the Lineburg family released a heartfelt statement:

The statement thanked the Radford community, former players, colleagues, and rivals who shared in Lineburg’s journey and helped carry forward the values he lived by.

Norman Lineburg Is Now Reunited In Heaven With His Wife

Norman Lineburg was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Margaret Joann Young Lineburg, who passed away in August 2026 at the age of 85.

Joann was a lifelong educator who taught physical education for nearly four decades and was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Radford.

The couple, who wed on July 30, 1965, are now reunited, a love story that endures beyond this life.

Together, they raised four sons: Robert, Mark, Paul, and Wayne, who now carry forward their parents’ legacy of service, sportsmanship, and heart.

Final arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Rest in peace, Coach!

• Check other Articles on

Rovik Parajuli

Rovik is the dynamic force behind the scenes, serving as both an author and editor for the publication. With a finger on the pulse of current trends and a firsthand understanding of the sports world from his own participation, Rovik is adept at identifying topics that resonate with readers and drive engagement.

Expertise:

Trendsetting Articles Player Perspective

Highlights

• Rovik excels at identifying emerging trends and topics within the sports world.
• Rovik spearheads the creation of interactive content formats such as polls, quizzes, and challenges.

Experience

Rovik's ability to stay ahead of trends and connect with readers on a personal level has made him an invaluable asset to the publication, driving its success and reputation as a trusted source of sports news and insights.

Related articles

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 15, 2026 Jerry Lee Singleton, a 1974 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he was a standout athlete, has passed away at 70. Singleton was born on...

- May 15, 2026 Residents living along Blackwell Road in Huthwaite are calling for urgent action after a group of children was repeatedly caught kicking front doors and...

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...

- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...