Bo Schembechler (1929–2006,) born Glenn Edward Schembechler Jr., was an American college football coach and athletics administrator, best known as head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines (1969–89.) His leadership transformed Michigan into a powerhouse, earning him a reputation as one of college football’s greatest coaches.
Born in Barberton, Ohio, he played football at Miami University (1948–50) under Woody Hayes, later serving as Hayes’s assistant at Ohio State (1958–62.) In 1963, he became head coach at Miami University, leading the team to two Mid-American Conference championships before moving to Michigan.
At Michigan, Schembechler compiled a 194–48–5 record, winning 13 Big Ten championships. His rivalry with Ohio State’s Woody Hayes, the “Ten-Year War” (1969–78,) defined an era of college football. Though his teams never won a national championship, they consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
Schembechler later served as Michigan’s athletic director (1988–90) and briefly as president of the Detroit Tigers (1990–92.) His books include Bo: Life, Laughs, and Lessons of a College Football Legend (1995) and Bo’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership (2007.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Bo Schembechler
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.
—Bo Schembechler
Topics: Teamwork, Teams
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