What Could Have Been?- Part 5

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Woody Hayes and his College Football Legacy

Woody Hayes took over as coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1951. In his 27 years as coach of the Buckeyes, he compiled a 205-61-10 record which included five national championships, 13 conference titles, and four Rose Bowl appearances. He became one of the first major college coaches to recruit African-American players and hire African-American assistant coaches. Hayes had a total of 58 players who received All-American accolades under his tenure.

However, most remember him when he punched a Clemson player during the Gator Bowl. The Buckeyes received a 15-yard penalty and commentators Keith Jackson and Ara Parseghian did not comment about the punch. OSU athletic director Hugh Hindman confronted Hayes in the locker room after the game and said he intended to tell the school president Harold Enarson what had happened and said that Hayes has coached his last game. Hayes refused and said that better fire him because he wouldn't resign. The next day, it was announced that Woody Hayes was fired. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and died in 1987.

What would happened if Hayes didn't punch the Clemson player? Would he had increased his legacy at Ohio State and be remembered in the same sentence as greats like Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno?

 

[48.7 is Approximately 49 Times Better Than You]

Well, just by looking at his accomplishments, I'm fairly certain he would have had continued his successes. I don't know if he would have been put up there with Joe-Pa, but he'd certainly be remembered in a much more positive light. Five national titles is huge, and were he to coach for another ten years, you could likely add another two or three to the total. Punching the opposing player was the stupidest career move he could have ever made, and it ruined his reputation. Shame. Great coach, but isn't remembered for what he should be.