Former Bradshaw Mountain football coach David Moran dies after suffering heart attack

July 2, 2024 by Brian M. Bergner Jr., AZPreps365


David Moran was the defensive coordinator for the Indoor Football League’s NAZ Wranglers in Prescott Valley. Moran played quarterback at Bradshaw Mountain before leading the team as its head coach from 2014-2016. Moran suffered a heart attack on June 29, 2024, and passed away Monday night, July 1. (NAZ Wranglers/Courtesy)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated from a previous version, adding quotes and age.

PRESCOTT VALLEY — Former Bradshaw Mountain football coach and quarterback David Moran has passed away two days after he suffered a heart attack before coaching in an NAZ Wranglers game over the weekend, the team announced Monday night.

Moran, the defensive coordinator for the Indoor Football League’s Wranglers in Prescott Valley, suffered a heart attack two hours before kickoff against the San Diego Strike Force.

Concession stand employees, along with a retired firefighter who scans tickets, were able to perform CPR after Moran collapsed in the hallway of the arena. He was taken to the hospital and on early Sunday morning, June 30, had surgery, a team statement said.

He died Monday night, July 1, in the hospital. He was 47.

“Coach Moran was surrounded by his mother, family, close friends and some of the NAZ Wrangler staff as he peacefully passed away,” Wranglers President and Owner Fred DePalma said in a statement. “Coach Moran was not just a coach to us; he was a beloved mentor and friend to this community. His dedication to the sport and his players was unparalleled, and his loss leaves a void that can never be filled.”

Former Bradshaw Mountain Principal Kort Miner, who currently holds the same position at Moon Valley, said in a text to AzPreps365.com on Tuesday, July 2, that he and Moran worked together for four years.

"As a coach he was very driven and passionate with the kids and the football program. … I really did appreciate Dave and everything he did for the BMHS community and football program," said Miner, who was principal at Bradshaw Mountain from 2012 to 2020. "My condolences to his mother Olga, his ex football players, friends and family. Dave was always a Bear and will always be a Bear."

The Bradshaw Mountain Football Boosters Facebook page put out this statement Tuesday:

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach David Moran. His love and dedication to Bradshaw Mountain Football ran deep. He was a pillar in our community and a legend on campus. As we mourn the loss of the great Coach Moran, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Please keep Coach Moran's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

BEARS NATION

Moran graduated from Bradshaw Mountain in 1996 after playing quarterback for the Bears. He played for Oregon State before transferring back to Northern Arizona University and was eventually named team captain of the Lumberjacks.

His grandfather, Ralph Moran, is in the Arizona High School Athletic Hall of Fame after coaching more than 40 years, and his father, Steve Moran, coached 35 years and led Bradshaw Mountain to the state semifinals six times before passing away in 2020.

David Moran was a defensive coordinator at Sinagua in 2002 before returning to his alma mater after a few stops along the way to lead the Bears in 2014.

Moran joined the Wranglers during the team’s inaugural season in 2021 and helped lead the club to an IFL championship in 2022.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.