According to local reports, Lincoln, Ala., head coach Keith Howard died last night during his team's season opener against Etowah.
Howard, 48, complained of chest pains in the first half, and rode in an ambulance to the Riverview Regional Medical Center to be examined. It was there he was later pronounced dead. According to The Anniston Star, the team was notified during the fourth quarter.
"As a coach, you try to keep those emotions in check, because the players are watching, but I was just completely devastated, because the guy who coached me, the guy I'd coached with this whole time, the guy who has done everything with me ... I can't do anything for him," defensive coordinator Chad Martin told The Anniston Star.
Howard led the Golden Bears to an 11-2 record in 2008, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 4A state playoffs.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lindsey, and stepson Matt Geier.