My fellow college football fans are well aware that the coaches are just as important, if not more so, than the players they lead. That’s why I thought I’d pay tribute to my favorite Gophers head coaches.
After much consideration, I’ve whittled my list down to these five men:
Williams served as head coach of the Gophers for a whopping 22 seasons, all the way from 1900 until 1921. His tenure included the legendary 1904 season, where Minnesota captured the National Championship. Much of his success can be credited to his tackle-back offense, which is a system he has the distinction of creation..
4. Bernie Bierman
In the 1930s the Gophers were one of the best collegiate teams in the nation, and much credit should be given to Bierman, who served as head coach from 1932 until 1941. Unlike many modern coaches who wear their emotions on their sleeves, Bierman was famous for his stoic demeanor–a trait that I for one admire.
3. Wallie Winter
As a student of the early days of football, I’m fascinated by Winter, who lead Minnesota way back in 1893. He has the unusual distinction of having a flawless record as the team’s head coach: 6-0. Winter was known for working his players to the point of physical breakdown. While this may have been cruel, you can’t argue with the results.
2. Jerry Kill
Many of you will no doubt find this pick of the current head coach nonsensical, but let me explain. No Gophers coach has gotten a bigger contract for accomplishing so little, which I can’t help but admire. A little bird told me that if the Gophers fail to make a bowl game in 2012, Kill will be in line for another four year extension.
1. Cal Stoll
Truly, Stoll was one of the good ones. Even though he only managed a career coaching record of 39-39 throughout the 1970s in Minnesota, he must be commended for doing so much with so little talent. An average coach probably would have had a record of 20-58. Stoll tragically died in his beloved Minneapolis in 2000.
Floyd Saunders is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota. He still lives in Minnesota and continues to support the Golden Gophers.
