Bill Dellinger, Olympic Medalist and Influential Oregon Ducks Track Coach, Dies at 91

Bill Dellinger, Olympic medalist and influential Oregon Ducks track coach, dies at 91

Dellinger, who coached the Ducks to NCAA cross country and track & field championships, had a close coaching relationship with Steve Prefontaine during his Ducks' tenure.

Bill Dellinger, Olympic Medalist and Pre’s Mentor, Dies at Age 91

The former University of Oregon head coach coached several Olympians.

In The Presence Of A Legend -Coach Bill Dellinger!

On June 27, 2025, Bill Dellinger, one of America’s finest distance runners and also one of our finest coaches, died at the age of 91. Surrounded by his family, the announcement was made by Bill Dellinger’s grandson, who asked us to get the world out on the passing of this fine man.  Bill was a three time Olympian, and in 1964, Bill Dellinger took the Olympic bronze in the 5,000m, behind fellow American Bob Schul, who took the gold. A true high p…

Bill Dellinger Passes Away at the Age of 91 - University of Oregon Athletics

Bill Dellinger, one of the most accomplished figures in the history of American distance running and an architect of Oregon's storied track and field legacy, passed away this week at the age of 91.