ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996              TAG: 9602190120
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: C-9  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Knight-Ridder/Tribune and Associated Press reports

EX-GA. AIDE FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME

Wayne McDuffie, who served as Georgia's offensive coordinator when the Bulldogs lost to Virginia in the 1995 Peach Bowl, was found dead Friday night at his home in Tallahassee, Fla.

McDuffie, 52, shot himself in the chest near the swimming pool behind the family's house, friends said. His wife, Toni, found McDuffie's body, and police arrived at the scene about 8 p.m.

``It looks like a suicide,'' said Tallahassee police spokesman Wayne Sizemore. ``There is nothing to indicate it was anything else.''

McDuffie served as offensive coordinator at Florida State from 1983-89 and recruited Heisman Trophy-winner Charlie Ward during his tenure.

``I'm shocked. I can't believe it,'' said Florida State coach Bobby Bowden. ``I just don't know anything about why. ... He was relentless, totally dedicated as a coach and player.''

Fired by Georgia along with the rest of coach Ray Goff's staff, McDuffie told Florida State coaches he was a candidate to become offensive line coach with the Miami Dolphins. But on Friday, the NFL team announced the hiring of Larry Beightol for the job.

McDuffie is survived by his wife of 27 years, sons Scott and Kyle, and a daughter, Erin.

LENGTH: Short :   38 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. Wayne McDuffie, who spent the past football season 
          as offensive coordinator at Georgia, was found dead of a gunshot 
          wound Friday night in Tallahassee, Fla. McDuffie, who recruited 
          Heisman Trophy-winner Charlie Ward while at Florida State, 
          apparently committed suicide.
KEYWORDS: FATALITY