Who Is The Best Football Coach In College Football History?

Answer 1

Danny Ford

Answer 2

Bud Wilkinson

In his first season of 1947, Wilkinson led Oklahoma to a 7-2-1 record and the Big Six championship, the first of 13 consecutive conference titles. Ultimately, Wilkinson would become one of the most celebrated college coaches of all time. His teams captured national championships in 1950, 1955, and 1956, and amassed a 145-29-4 (82.6%) overall record. The centerpiece of his reign in Norman was a 47-game winning streak from 1953 to 1957, an NCAA Division I record that still stands. Except for two losses in 1951, the Wilkinson-coached Sooners did not lose more than one game per season for 11 years from 1948 to 1958, going 107-8-2 over that period. His 1955 Oklahoma team is considered one of the greatest teams in college football history, regardless of era. He was also the first collegiate football coach to host a television show, aptly named "The Bud Wilkinson Show."

In recruiting athletes, he sought not only the swiftest, most aggressive players but the smartest, too. "The fact our men believe they can use their brains to defeat a physically superior opponent pays dividends you can't reckon with," he said.

While Wilkinson is known for his refinement of the Split-T, he also was creative. He invented the no-huddle offense, known in the 1950s as "Go-Go," a scheme that often confounded opponents.

Wilkinson was also remarkable for compiling this record while showing a genuine interest and concern for the performance of his players in the classroom. Following the 1963 season, his 17th at Oklahoma, Wilkinson retired from coaching at the young age of 47.

LONGEST WIN STREAK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY!

Answer 3

1. Knute Rockne
2. Bear Bryant
3. Joe Paterno
4. Bobby Bowden
5. Bud Wilkerson

Answer 4

My short list would start with Bud Wilkinson and Bear Bryant, then I'd include guys like Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, Woody Hayes, and Tom Osborne.

Jimmy Johnson deserves a mention as someone noted, and Pete Carroll could join the greats some day.

Answer 5

Coach Eddie Robinson

Answer 6

Tom Osborne. His winning percentage was incredible compared to his contemporaries. He never won fewer than 9 games a season. He, either directly or indirectly, helped with a then (and maybe that has yet to be broken, I don't know)-NCAA record streak of bowl games by assisting under Bob Devaney, coaching himself, and appointing Frank Solich as his successor. He always led the team to realize there actually IS life outside of football (contrary to what an awful lot of coaches convey) and he actually taught them how to be leaders. He's a first-class guy and a legendary coach.

Answer 7

Tom Osborne (255-49-3)
In a 25 year career he never lost fewer then 9 games! Huge advocate of excellent on and off the field (46 Academic All Americans under Osborne), which is in my mind a major aspect of being a great COLLEGE coach. Oh, and in his last four seasons went 60-3 and won 3 National Championships.

He is a doctorate too (Dr. Tom!)! And a former U.S. Representative (Rep. Dr. Tom!)!

Honorable Mention:
Knute (pronounced "kah-noot") Rockne (102-12-5)
Had a movie made about him with Ronald Reagan in it, won one for the Gipper, led the Four Horsemen, and won 6 National Championships.

Why honorable mention only? Well Knute was Norwegian, nuff said.

Answer 8

Bear Bryant

Answer 9

Without a doubt, Knute Rockne. I am by no means a ND fan, but I think the things he did were amazing, both as a player and a coach.

Answer 10

Bud Wilkenson