Ray Nagel, American football player and coach (b. 1927)

Raymond Robert Nagel, born on May 18, 1927, and passing away on January 15, 2015, left an indelible mark on American college athletics. His remarkable career spanned multiple pivotal roles: a collegiate football player, a distinguished head coach for two major universities, and a respected athletics administrator for two prominent institutions. Beyond the sidelines and administrative offices, Nagel also played a significant part in the legacy of a cherished college football all-star game.

Nagel's journey in football began as an athlete. He notably played as an offensive end for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins. During his playing tenure, he was a key contributor, even participating in the prestigious 1947 Rose Bowl game, a testament to his early athletic prowess and foundational understanding of the sport.

A Distinguished Coaching Career

Raymond Nagel transitioned from player to coach, establishing a reputation for leadership and strategic insight. His head coaching career encompassed two significant programs:

• University of Utah (1958–1965)

  Nagel took the helm of the Utes football program, leading them for eight seasons. His tenure at Utah is particularly remembered for a landmark achievement in 1964. That year, he guided the Utes to an impressive 8–2 record, securing the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship. This successful season culminated in Utah's participation in the Liberty Bowl, where they defeated West Virginia, marking the program's first-ever bowl victory. This era solidified his reputation as a coach capable of elevating a program to new heights.

• University of Iowa (1966–1970)

  Following his success at Utah, Nagel moved to the Big Ten Conference to coach the University of Iowa Hawkeyes for five seasons. While this period presented different challenges and the team's overall record during his tenure was 16–27–1, Nagel's teams were known for their resilience and competed in one of college football's most demanding conferences. His best season with the Hawkeyes was in 1966, where they achieved an 8–2 record, demonstrating his capacity to build competitive teams even in tough environments.

Throughout his combined head coaching career at both institutions, Raymond Nagel compiled an overall college football coaching record of 58–71–3, which translates to a winning percentage of .455. This record reflects a career dedicated to developing collegiate athletes and competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Pivoting to Athletic Administration

After his coaching chapters closed, Raymond Nagel embarked on a new phase of his career, dedicating himself to the broader landscape of college athletics administration. His experience as a coach provided him with invaluable insights into the needs of student-athletes and athletic departments.

• Washington State University (1971–1976)

  As the Athletic Director for Washington State University, Nagel oversaw a period of significant development for the Cougars' athletic programs. His responsibilities included strategic planning, financial management, facility improvements, and navigating the evolving collegiate sports landscape, including discussions around conference realignments that would impact the Pac-8 conference.

• University of Hawaii at Manoa (1976–1983)

  Nagel then moved to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he served as Athletic Director for seven years. His tenure at Hawaii was crucial for the Rainbow Warriors, as he played a key role in expanding and enhancing athletic opportunities, particularly for women's sports, and overseeing various facility upgrades. His leadership helped to solidify Hawaii's position within the national collegiate athletic scene.

Executive Director of the Hula Bowl

Even after his extensive career in coaching and athletic directorship, Raymond Nagel remained deeply involved in college football. From 1990 to 1995, he served as the Executive Director of the Hula Bowl. This prestigious college football invitational all-star game, held annually in Hawaii, brought together top collegiate talent from across the nation. Nagel's leadership was instrumental in maintaining the integrity and prominence of the Hula Bowl, ensuring its continuation as a significant showcase for future professional football stars and a beloved tradition for fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raymond Robert Nagel

When was Raymond Robert Nagel born and when did he pass away?

Raymond Robert Nagel was born on May 18, 1927, and passed away on January 15, 2015.

What was Raymond Nagel's most significant coaching achievement?

His most significant coaching achievement was leading the University of Utah to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship and a victory in the 1964 Liberty Bowl, marking Utah's first bowl win.

Which universities did Raymond Nagel serve as Athletic Director for?

He served as Athletic Director for Washington State University from 1971 to 1976 and the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 1976 to 1983.

What was Raymond Nagel's role with the Hula Bowl?

From 1990 to 1995, Raymond Nagel was the Executive Director of the Hula Bowl, an annual college football invitational all-star game.

What was Raymond Nagel's overall college football coaching record?

His career college football coaching record was 58–71–3, for a winning percentage of .455.