Bill Doolittle: A Pioneering Figure in American Football Coaching

Early Life and Football Career

Bill Doolittle, a trailblazing American football coach, is best known for his distinguished coaching career, which spanned over three decades, and his impactful tenure as the head coach at Western Michigan University. As a quarterback, Doolittle's athletic prowess earned him an all-state selection in his senior year at Mansfield High School in Ohio.

Doolittle's collegiate football career began at Ohio State University in 1941, where he played as a quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team in 1946 and 1947. His military service in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned a Bronze Star for his service in the Pacific Theater, briefly interrupted his collegiate career.

Coaching Career and Milestones

Doolittle's coaching journey commenced in 1948 at Grandview High School in Columbus, Ohio. He went on to hold various coaching positions, including backfield coach at Brown University (1949-1950) and assistant football coach at Lincoln High School in Canton, Ohio (1951). His first head coaching position was at Owosso High School in Owosso, Michigan (1952-1953), where he achieved a record of 6-12.

Notable coaching stints include his tenure as head coach at Flint Central High School (1954-1959), where he compiled a record of 37-14-3 and led his team to the Class A state championship in 1958. He returned to his alma mater, Mansfield High School, as head coach in 1960 and 1961, with his teams achieving a record of 12-6-2.

Western Michigan University and Legacy

In January 1964, Doolittle was appointed as the head football coach at Western Michigan University, a position he held for 11 years until 1974. During his tenure, he led the team to a Mid-American Conference championship in 1966 and was subsequently named the conference's Coach of the Year. His overall coaching record at Western Michigan stands at 58-49-2.

Doolittle's post-coaching career saw him serve as the director of Western Michigan's Gary Athletic Fund in 1975. He received the Man of the Year Award from Western Michigan's Alumni W Club in 1988.

Awards and Honors

• Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year (1966)
• Man of the Year Award from Western Michigan's Alumni W Club (1988)
• Bronze Star for service in the Pacific Theater during World War II

Legacy and Impact on Modern Football

Bill Doolittle's illustrious coaching career, marked by his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, has left an indelible mark on American football. His influence on modern football coaching is undeniable, with his pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence inspiring generations of coaches and players alike.