Births on February 14

Woody Hayes, American football player and coach (d. 1987)

The Illustrious Coaching Legacy of Wayne Woodrow Hayes

Wayne Woodrow Hayes (February 14, 1913 – March 12, 1987), universally known as Woody Hayes, was an iconic American football coach whose formidable career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the sport. A figure synonymous with discipline, fierce competitive spirit, and unparalleled success, Hayes dedicated his life to shaping young athletes and building championship-caliber programs. His coaching philosophy and intense dedication solidified his place as one of college football's all-time greats.

Early Coaching Triumphs and Ascent to Ohio State

Hayes's coaching journey began after his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he commanded a patrol craft in the Pacific. This military background profoundly influenced his coaching style, instilling a strong emphasis on discipline and strategic execution. He first took the reins as a head coach at Denison University, leading the Big Red from 1946 to 1948. His success there quickly garnered attention, paving the way for a move to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he coached the RedHawks for two seasons (1949–1950). At Miami, Hayes achieved a commendable 14–5 record, including an undefeated 1949 season that earned the RedHawks a trip to the Salad Bowl.

These early successes were merely a prelude to his most legendary tenure. In 1951, Woody Hayes accepted the head coaching position at Ohio State University, a role he would hold for an astonishing 28 seasons until 1978. Across his entire collegiate coaching career, Hayes amassed an extraordinary record of 238 wins, 72 losses, and 10 ties. This remarkable achievement earned him a rightful place among the sport's immortals, leading to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1983, a testament to his profound and lasting impact on the game.

Dominating the Gridiron: The Ohio State Buckeyes Era

Under Woody Hayes's leadership, the Ohio State Buckeyes football program transformed into a national powerhouse, renowned for its relentless running game, stifling defense, and unwavering discipline. During his 28-year tenure in Columbus, Hayes's Buckeyes achieved an impressive overall record of 205 wins, 61 losses, and 10 ties.

His teams consistently ranked among the nation's elite, earning five consensus national championships from various prestigious pollsters. Among these, three titles—in 1954, 1957, and 1968—were recognized by the major wire services, specifically the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches' Poll. These polls are historically significant, representing the consensus view of sportswriters and fellow coaches, respectively, in determining the national champion of college football.

Beyond national recognition, Hayes's Ohio State squads were the undisputed kings of the Big Ten Conference, capturing an incredible 13 conference titles. His coaching philosophy, often summarized by the phrase "Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust," emphasized a powerful ground game and strategic ball control, frustrating opponents and leading to sustained success.

"The Ten Year War": Hayes vs. Schembechler

Perhaps the most iconic chapter of Woody Hayes's career unfolded during the last decade of his coaching tenure at Ohio State, a period famously dubbed "The Ten Year War." This fierce and legendary rivalry pitted his Buckeyes against the Michigan Wolverines, coached by none other than Bo Schembechler. The narrative was made even more compelling by the fact that Schembechler was a former player under Hayes at Miami University and later served as an assistant coach for him at Ohio State, creating a deeply personal and intense mentor-protégé dynamic.

From 1969 to 1978, every single season of "The Ten Year War" saw either Hayes's Buckeyes or Schembechler's Wolverines (or both) win or share the Big Ten Conference crown. Both teams consistently placed high in the national rankings, with their annual late-season matchup often serving as a de facto Big Ten championship game with national title implications. These games were not just football contests; they were epic battles of wills, strategy, and pride, captivating the entire college football world and elevating the already intense Michigan–Ohio State rivalry to unprecedented heights of passion and competition.

A Lasting Legacy

Woody Hayes's legacy extends far beyond his remarkable win-loss record and numerous championships. He instilled a deep sense of loyalty, discipline, and competitive fire in his players, many of whom went on to successful careers in professional football and other fields. His impact on Ohio State University and college football as a whole remains profound, with his name forever etched in the annals of sports history as a true titan of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Woody Hayes

Who was Wayne Woodrow Hayes?

Wayne Woodrow Hayes, more commonly known as Woody Hayes, was a legendary American college football coach. He is best remembered for his iconic 28-year tenure as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

What were Woody Hayes's major coaching accomplishments at Ohio State?

At Ohio State, Woody Hayes led the Buckeyes to five national championships (1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, with major wire-service recognition in 1954, 1957, and 1968) and secured 13 Big Ten Conference titles. His Ohio State record was 205–61–10.

What was "The Ten Year War"?

"The Ten Year War" refers to the intense rivalry between Woody Hayes's Ohio State Buckeyes and Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines from 1969 to 1978. During this decade, the two legendary coaches, with Schembechler being a former player and assistant under Hayes, consistently battled for Big Ten supremacy and national recognition.

When was Woody Hayes inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame?

Woody Hayes was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1983, recognizing his exceptional career and contributions to the sport.

What was Woody Hayes's overall college coaching record?

Across his coaching stints at Denison University, Miami University, and Ohio State University, Woody Hayes compiled a career college football record of 238 wins, 72 losses, and 10 ties.