Woody Hayes Quotes

A collection of quotes by Woody Hayes.

Woody Hayes was an American college football coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. Born on February 14, 1913, in Clifton, Ohio, he grew up with a deep passion for football. Hayes played as a tackle at Denison University, where he graduated in 1935.

In 1946, Hayes began his coaching career at Denison and quickly proved his abilities, leading the team to three conference championships. In 1951, he moved to Miami University, where he achieved similar success. However, it was his tenure at The Ohio State University from 1951 to 1978 that made Hayes an iconic figure.

During his 28 years as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Woody Hayes built an immensely successful program, winning five national championships and 13 Big Ten Conference titles. Known for his intense and disciplined coaching style, Hayes emphasized physical toughness and strong defense.

Hayes' teams were characterized by their physicality and dominance on the field. One of his most notable accomplishments was a record of 205 wins, 61 losses, and 10 ties. Additionally, he coached multiple future NFL stars, including Jack Tatum, Archie Griffin, and many more.

However, Hayes' career was also marred in controversy. In 1978, during the Gator Bowl, he infamously punched an opposing player, leading to his dismissal from the university.

Despite the end of his coaching career, Woody Hayes remains a legendary figure in the sport, remembered for his immense success and his unwavering dedication to the game. He passed away on March 12, 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy.