Woody Hayes was an American football coach who is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Born Wayne Woodrow Hayes on February 14, 1913, in Clifton, Ohio, Hayes dedicated his career to coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Hayes first gained prominence as the head coach of the football team at Denison University from 1946 to 1948, where he established a winning culture and an aggressive style of play. In 1951, he became the head coach of The Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes, a position he held until his retirement in 1978.
Known for his tough and disciplined approach, Hayes achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He amassed an impressive record of 205 wins, 61 losses, and 10 ties, making him the winningest coach in OSU history. Hayes led the Buckeyes to 13 Big Ten Conference championships and three national championships in 1954, 1957, and 1968.
Off the field, Hayes was also known for his deep commitment to academics and molding his players into well-rounded individuals. However, his career was not without controversy. In the 1978 Gator Bowl, Hayes infamously punched an opposing player from Clemson University during a dispute, which led to his dismissal from OSU.
Despite the controversy, Woody Hayes remains an iconic figure in college football history. His legacy is defined by his exceptional coaching skills, unwavering dedication to his players, and the profound impact he had on the sport.
