Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Ara Parseghian: The Architect of Notre Dame's Golden Era

Ara Parseghian, the renowned American football player, and coach, etched his name in the annals of history by transforming the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish program into a national powerhouse. Under his tutelage, the team secured two national championships in 1966 and 1973, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on May 21, 1923, in Akron, Ohio, Ara Parseghian's fascination with football began in his junior year of high school. He enrolled at the University of Akron but soon abandoned his academic pursuits to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he resumed his college career at Miami University in Ohio, where he showcased his skills as a halfback. Parseghian's professional playing career took off with the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference, where he contributed to the team's championship wins in 1948 and 1949. Unfortunately, a hip injury cut short his playing days, leading him to transition into coaching.

The Coaching Odyssey

Parseghian's coaching journey commenced as an assistant coach at Miami University in Ohio. When head coach Woody Hayes departed for Ohio State University in 1951, Parseghian took the reins, guiding the team to success until 1956. His impressive tenure earned him a head coaching position at Northwestern University in Illinois, where he spent eight seasons, amassing a win-loss-tie record of 36-35-1 and establishing the Wildcats as a formidable force in the national polls.

The Era of Ara at Notre Dame

In 1964, Notre Dame, mired in a five-year losing streak, sought a savior. Parseghian, with his impressive credentials, was appointed head coach, inaugurating a golden era for the Fighting Irish. His initial season saw the team narrowly miss a national championship, but Parseghian's astute leadership eventually yielded two national titles (1966 and 1973) in his 11-year tenure. During this period, his teams consistently ranked in the top ten of the final AP poll, with the lowest ranking being an impressive 14th.

Philosophy and Coaching Style

Parseghian's coaching philosophy centered around discipline, hard work, and the development of a strong team identity. He emphasized the importance of fundamentals, stressing the need for players to master the basics before progressing to more complex strategies. His ability to motivate and inspire players earned him their respect and admiration, fostering an environment of trust and camaraderie within the team.

Awards and Legacy

The numerous accolades showered upon Parseghian are a testament to his remarkable coaching career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award in 1997 for his outstanding contributions to the sport. The University of Notre Dame honored him by naming the football field at Notre Dame Stadium "Parseghian Field" in 2004.

Personal Life and Later Years

Parseghian's later years were marked by quietude, as he stepped away from the limelight to focus on his family and philanthropic endeavors. He remained involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, which aimed to find a cure for Niemann-Pick disease. Ara Parseghian passed away on August 2, 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and motivate generations of coaches, players, and fans alike.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Parseghian's Armenian heritage made him the first non-Irish head coach in Notre Dame's history.
• He was known for his humor and humility, often quipping, "I don't want to be remembered as just a coach; I want to be remembered as a teacher."
• Parseghian's players affectionately referred to him as "The Old Man" due to his paternal nature and wise leadership.