Harald Hasselbach, father of Ashlee ’11 and Terran ’14, died on November 23, 2023, after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 56 years old. Coach Hasselbach leaves behind his wife, Aundrea, four children and four grandchildren. 

Hasselbach joined the staff of Regis Jesuit’s football program in 2010 as a defensive line coach. At 6’6” and 285 lbs., he was an imposing figure physically, but known for his kindness and compassion, both on and off the field. 

“He was a giant of a man in so many ways,” remembers Bob McPhee, Raiders offensive line coach who worked side by side with Harald over the last 13 years. McPhee continues, “He spoke seven languages and had a passion for art, music and comic books. Though he looked like the stereotype of a football player, he was so much more. His real passion was for using football as a vehicle to form successful young men. He quietly lived out the hallmarks of Jesuit education by example.” McPhee affectionately refers to Harald as a brother who made him “a better coach, teacher, husband and father.”

Hasselbach was born in Amsterdam and lived internationally throughout his childhood, eventually settling in Canada. He played professional football, first in the Canadian Football League before moving to the NFL in 1994, when he joined the Denver Broncos. He played as a defensive lineman with them for seven seasons and was part of the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion squads in 1998 and 1999. Hasselbach is the only Dutch player ever to have won a Super Bowl ring and was inducted into the British Columbia Football Hall of Fame in 2016. You can read more about his background and football career here. 

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Harald’s soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.