Legendary college football coach who led the Iowa Hawkeyes to three Big Ten championships and appeared in six bowl games. Known for his innovative tactics and iconic sideline sunglasses.
Hayden Fry is renowned for his illustrious career as a college football coach, having served as the head coach at three prominent universities: Southern Methodist University (SMU), North Texas State University (now known as the University of North Texas), and the University of Iowa. With a remarkable coaching record of 232-178-10, Fry left an indelible mark on the world of college football.
Born on February 28, 1929, in Eastland, Texas, Hayden Fry was descended from one of the Texas First Families, with his great-great-grandfather fighting alongside General Sam Houston in the Texas War of Independence. Fry's family moved to Odessa, Texas, when he was in third grade, and he lost his father to a heart attack at the age of 14. This life-changing event transformed Fry from a shy child to the head of his household.
Fry earned all-state honors as a quarterback at Odessa High School, leading the team to the Texas state high school championship in 1946. He then played college football at Baylor University from 1947 to 1950, graduating with a degree in psychology in 1951. After serving as an American history teacher and assistant football coach at Odessa High School for a year, Fry joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, where he played for the Quantico Marines football team, winning the Marine Corps championship and playing in the Poinsettia Bowl.
Fry's coaching career spanned over three decades, with notable stints at SMU (1962-1972), North Texas State University (1973-1978), and the University of Iowa (1979-1998). During his tenure at Iowa, Fry led the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten Conference championships and two Rose Bowl appearances. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2003.
Fry was known for his strong philosophical beliefs, which he instilled in his players. He believed in the importance of discipline, hard work, and teamwork, and was famous for his "Five State of Iowa" rule, which emphasized the importance of integrity, honesty, and respect for oneself and others.
Hayden Fry's impact on college football extends beyond his impressive coaching record. He inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans with his unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline, and integrity. Fry's legacy continues to be felt in the world of college football, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
"It's not about being the best, it's about being better than you were yesterday."
"Discipline is not a dirty word. It's a way of life."
"Champions are made, not born."
89 Years Old
Legendary college football coach who led the Oklahoma Sooners to three national championships and won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his charismatic personality and innovative coaching style.
97 Years Old
Legendary college football coach who led Florida State University to two national championships and won over 350 games, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Born in 1913
Legendary college football coach who led the University of Alabama to six national championships and is revered for his iconic houndstooth hat and folksy, no-nonsense demeanor.
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Legendary college football coach who led Ohio State to five national championships and is infamous for his temper and on-field antics.
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Legendary Notre Dame coach who led the Fighting Irish to two national championships and is revered for his innovative tactics and charismatic leadership.
99 Years Old
Legendary college football coach who led Penn State to two national championships and holds the record for most wins in NCAA Division I history. Iconic figure in American sports.
80 Years Old
Legendary college football coach who led Virginia Tech to unprecedented success, winning over 280 games and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
