Former DePaul head coach Joey Meyer dies at 74 (2024)

Former DePaul head coach and beloved Chicago basketball figure Joey Meyer has died at the age of 74.

Longtime Chicago Bulls radio broadcaster Chuck Swirsky announced the news Friday night in a post on X.

“A wonderful family man, a Chicago coaching icon and a former college basketball Coach of the Year has passed away,” said Swirsky.

“Former DePaul Head Coach Joey Meyer was a friend of mine for 44 year. Joey was an incredible husband, father, brother, son, friend. A huge loss for everyone. RIP”

https://twitter.com/ctsbulls/status/1740893614580895977

No cause of death was given.

Several friends and supporters spoke kindly of Meyer on social media.

I'm incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Joey Meyer. I came along the DePaul bandwagon in the 80's and was introduced to Demon Nation with Joey. He was an underrated coach and recruiter and done dirty late in his career. RIP Coach Joey. https://t.co/QyaQKNstGI

— Dan Stack (@StacDemon) December 30, 2023

Joey Meyer was at the epicenter of @DePaulHoops' success in the late 1970s and 1980s, yet never sought credit or accolades. EVER. His players loved and respected him, and he was an exemplary representative of my school. RIP, Joey; I'm so thankful that our paths crossed. 💙❤️😢

— Dan Evans (@DanEvans108) December 30, 2023

The saddest news of Joey Meyer’s passing. So many years covering a man whose life was DePaul and his players. Other coaches knew how good a coach he was even if others didn’t always acknowledge it. And no finer man as a husband, father and stellar man and friend to do many. 😢

— Toni Ginnetti (@toniginnetti) December 30, 2023

Joey Meyer was a great coach but his legacy is the effect he had on his players and how they developed as men. Coach Meyer was one of the finest men I have known and his relationship with his dad was incredible as they both helped each other their entire careers.

— John Planek (@DrJohnPlanekOP) December 30, 2023

DePaul basketball also posted a message mourning the loss.

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of former DePaul coach and student-athlete, Joey Meyer.

Meyer dedicated more than 30 years to DePaul basketball.

Our thoughts are with the Meyer family.

📰 https://t.co/Bb74ZrBJuE pic.twitter.com/TiB3i7lDMv

— DePaul Basketball (@DePaulHoops) December 30, 2023

From 1968 to 1971, Meyer played point guard under his father and coach Ray Meyer on the DePaul men’s basketball team. Joey averaged 16.4 points per game, leading the team in scoring during his final season.

The younger Meyer went on to take over as head coach of DePaul during the 1984-85 season. He led the Blue Demons to the NCAA tournament in 7 of his first 8 seasons as head coach.

Meyer’s best campaign as DePaul head coach came during the 1986-97 season. The Blue Demons finished with a 28-3 record and lost in the NCAA tournament regional semifinals that year.