Memories of Mike Flynn

Long-Time Athletic Department Employee Mike Flynn Has Passed Away
Mike Flynn, who spent nearly 40 years working for the Wayne State University Department of Athletics, passed away on Saturday.

Memories will be shared with Mike Flynn's family.

"Mike( Flynn) might be the best known and most recognizable of all the WSU athletic staff by student athletes, officials and outside teams visiting the campus," remarked WSU Director of Athletics Rob Fournier. "In a career that spanned almost four decades, he literally came into contact with everyone who entered the Matthaei. Even student athletes long after their time at WSU had ended, would invariably ask me in conversation "and how is Mike Flynn"? That is his legacy – Mike was a genuine, deeply-caring part of our family who had a profound sense of commitment to WSU and the department. It might be said that not everyone visiting knew his name, but they all knew his kindness, easy smile and warmth."

Flynn joined the WSU Athletics in 1980 as a graduate assistant football coach for the Tartars.

He began working with receivers after serving the previous year in a similar capacity at Western Michigan University. He also coached running backs and linebackers during his tenure on the WSU football staff. He served four seasons (1985-88) as the defensive coordinator.

Prior to working at WMU, Flynn coached at the University of Detroit High School for three years as the defensive coordinator and at Detroit Catholic Central for one year where he worked with the offensive and defensive lines.

Flynn worked in the Matthaei Facility office from 1988 until his retirement in August of 2019.