Woody Hayes

Woody Hayes
Name	Woody Hayes
Caption	Hayes in 1974
Birth name	Wayne Woodrow Hayes
Birth date	14 February 1913
Birth place	Clifton, Ohio, U.S.
Death date	12 March 1987
Death place	Upper Arlington, Ohio, U.S.
Education	Denison University (BA), Ohio State University (MA)
Occupation	American football player, coach
Spouse	Anne Gross, 1942, 1987

Woody Hayes. Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes was an American football player and coach who served as the head coach at The Ohio State University for 28 seasons. He is one of the most iconic and controversial figures in the history of college football, leading the Buckeyes to five national championships and 13 Big Ten Conference titles. His career, marked by intense passion and a famous on-field incident, ended abruptly in 1978, but his influence on the sport and his players remains profound.

Early life and education

Wayne Woodrow Hayes was born in Clifton, Ohio, and grew up in Newcomerstown, Ohio. His father, Wayne B. Hayes, was a school superintendent, instilling a deep respect for education. Hayes attended Newcomerstown High School where he was a multi-sport athlete. He then enrolled at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, graduating in 1935. He earned a master's degree in educational administration from Ohio State University in 1948, further cementing his lifelong connection to the institution.

Playing career

Hayes played tackle for the Denison Big Red football team under coach Tommy Johnson. Although not a star player, his experience on the field was formative, teaching him the fundamentals of line play and trench warfare that would define his coaching philosophy. His playing career was relatively brief, as he soon transitioned into coaching and teaching at the high school level, including a stint at Mingo Junction High School in Ohio.

Coaching career

Hayes began his head coaching career at Denison University in 1946, leading the Big Red to an undefeated season in 1947. He then moved to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he coached for three seasons, winning the Mid-American Conference championship in 1950. In 1951, he was hired as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. His tenure, known as the "Hayes Era," was defined by a powerful three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offensive philosophy, emphasizing the running game and physical dominance. He led the Buckeyes to victories in four Rose Bowl games and coached numerous All-American players, including Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy. His career ended following the 1978 Gator Bowl, where he struck a Clemson player, Charlie Bauman, on the sidelines, leading to his dismissal by Ohio State president Harold L. Enarson.

Philosophy and legacy

Hayes was a deeply principled and complex figure, guided by a philosophy rooted in discipline, loyalty, and the teachings of history, particularly his admiration for General Douglas MacArthur. He was a staunch advocate for the Vietnam War and often incorporated military concepts into his coaching. His legacy is dual-natured: he is revered for building a perennial national powerhouse, for his profound impact on players like Lou Holtz and Earle Bruce, and for his significant charitable work, yet he is also remembered for his volcanic temper and the incident that ended his career. The Woody Hayes Athletic Center at Ohio State is named in his honor.

Personal life and death

Hayes married Anne Gross in 1942, and they had one son, Steve. He was known for his frugality, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to his players' academic success. After his dismissal, he remained a visible figure on the Ohio State University campus and in the Columbus, Ohio community. Hayes died of a heart attack on March 12, 1987, at his home in Upper Arlington, Ohio. He was buried at Union Cemetery in Columbus.

Honors and awards

Hayes received numerous accolades, including multiple National Coach of the Year honors. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1983. He was a three-time recipient of the AFCA Coach of the Year Award and a five-time winner of the Big Ten Coach of the Year award. The Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award are among the other honors he received posthumously. The Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award's legacy trophy is named for him.

Category:American football coaches Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football coaches Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees