He’s a College Football Hall of Famer, and his name truly stands out in the history of the sport. Over the course of an impressive career, he led the University of Tulsa to five Missouri Valley Championships, showcasing his early talent as a coach. Later on, he made waves by guiding Arizona State to a Pac-10 title in 1986—another milestone that carried his name further into college football lore. But perhaps one of the most defining stretches came when he coached the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he secured three Big Ten titles in 1993, 1996, and 1998, each victory adding to his growing legacy.
Before all the accolades, though, it started with humble beginnings. His journey began in 1962 as a graduate assistant at Iowa State, following a solid run as a running back for the school over three seasons. Along the way, he built a family life too—sharing it with his wife, Helen Cooper, and their two children, John and Cindy. Through dedication and leadership, his name became synonymous with excellence on the field and integrity off it.
He spent several years building his coaching career, working as an assistant at notable programs like Oregon State, UCLA, Kansas, and Kentucky. Along the way, he gained valuable experience and developed a strong reputation in college basketball circles. Then, in 1977, he finally got his big break—landing his first head coaching position with Tulsa. It was a pivotal moment in his journey, marking the transition from supporting role to leadership. And from that point on, he began making a name for himself, showing exactly what he was capable of as a head coach.