INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoeppner underwent two brain surgeries in the past 18 months and spent nearly four months on medical leave.

Indiana University football coach Terry Hoeppner has died after an extended bout of brain cancer.

He died at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Jane, his three children -- Drew, Amy and Allison -- and his four grandchildren.

"Terry's fight was courageous and will serve as an inspiration to those who have known him," IU's Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan said. "This is a truly sad day for our community and all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoeppner family and to those whose lives he has touched."

Hoeppner, 59, had been on medical leave since mid-March after undergoing two brain surgeries during the past 18 months. Last week, the university introduced Bill Lynch as the head coach for the 2007 season.

Hoeppner led the Hoosiers for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, compiling a 9-14 record. He was widely regarded to have rejuvenated a long-struggling football program.

In 2006, he nearly led IU to a bowl appearance. With the youngest roster in the Big Ten that season, the Hoosiers won three conference games for the first time since 2001, including a victory over No. 13 Iowa, which marked the first time an IU team defeated a top-15 squad since 1987.

"I think what Terry did for this team and this university was give a belief to the team and the state that these kids could win," Lynch said after he was announced as coach. "That's one vision we want to carry on."

Before arriving at Indiana, Hoeppner spent 19 seasons at Miami of Ohio, including six as head coach. He led the RedHawks to a 48-25 overall record, finishing in the top three of the MAC East teams each year.

In 2003, Miami won the MAC and GMAC Bowl championships and finished the season ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press poll.

Hoeppner coached 11 eventual NFL players during his career, including Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.