LEXINGTON, Ky. — Following a two-year battle with cancer, University of Kentucky football team assistant coach John Schlarman died Thursday at age 45. 

"I'm heartbroken to learn about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman," said UK head coach Mark Stoops. "My prayers go out to LeeAnne and the kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very difficult time.

"John was everything we all strive to be – honest, tough, fair, respected. Kentucky football won't be the same without him but his legacy will never fade. He was a fighter and we will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit."

In the summer of 2018, Schlarman was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. He continued to coach during his treatments, not missing a game until the team's most recent contests. 

Schlarman made his final appearance on the sidelines Oct. 17 at Tennessee, when Stoops awarded Schlarman the game ball following UK's win.

"The UK Athletics family is in deep sorrow on the passing of John Schlarman," said UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. "Throughout the last two years, he has been an incredible inspiration. He taught people how to live and showed all of us what it means to be courageous.

"John was a great husband and father, teacher and leader. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his dedication to his players and his excellence as a coach. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family and all who knew and loved him."

Schlarman, an original member of Stoops' staff in 2013, helped take the Wildcats to four consecutive bowl appearances from 2016-19. He was also there in 2018 when UK went 10-3, the school's first 10-win season in 41 years, and won over Penn State in the VRBO Citrus Bowl. The Wildcats then won over Virginia Tech in the 2019 Belk Bowl.

Kentucky broke several records over the past four seasons, including single-season records for most rushing yards, most rushing touchdowns, and most rushing yards per attempt. In 2016 and 2019, UK was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award given to the nation's top offensive line.

Schlarman, a former Wildcat himself, came to UK from Highlands High School in Ft. Thomas, Ky. While there, he was an all-state offensive lineman. A member of the Highlands Athletics Hall of Fame, He also starred in track and field.

Before earning first-team All-SEC honors as a senior, Schlarman enrolled at UK in 1993 and was a four-year starter from 1994-97. In 1994, Schlarman was a member of the SEC All-Freshman Team, and in 1995 and 1996, he was chosen as the team's most outstanding offensive lineman. The "College Football Chronicle" chose Schlarman as the "Unsung Hero All-America Team" following his junior season.

In addition to his talent on the field, Schlarman worked hard in the classroom. He was a three-year member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a finalist for Academic All-America in 1997. He graduated with a degree in mathematics.

Schlarman coached the defensive line at Bourbon County High School in 1998 and 1999. He helped guide the team to the state playoffs both seasons before returning to UK as a graduate assistant from 2000-02. He helped with the offensive line for all three seasons, earning his master's degree in the meantime. Schlarman had the sole responsibility of the tight ends in the '02 campaign when the Wildcats compiled a 7-5 record.

Schlarman returned to coaching high school in 2003, serving as the head coach for Campbell County for two seasons. In 2005-06, he moved to Newport HS and had a two-year record of 19-6, including two state playoff appearances and a district title. He was named District Coach of the Year in 2005.

Schlarman also coached the offensive line at Troy University from 2007-12, during which Troy won or shared four Sun Belt Conference championships and advanced to three bowl games.