Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson

SI Staff | Apr 4, 2007

Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson

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Eddie Robinson was hired by Grambling State University, a historically black college in rural Louisiana, in 1941. In his second year at the school, Grambling went 9-0 and didn't give up a single point.

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When Grambling beat Prairie View A&M 27-7 on Oct. 5, 1985, Robinson earned career win No. 324, passing Paul "Bear" Bryant as the winningest coach in college football history.

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Robinson received a call from President Bill Clinton after becoming the first college football coach to win 400 games.

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Robinson finished his career with a of record of 408-165-15 during his 57 years at Grambling. He won 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships and had a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons (1960-86).

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Known as a hands-on coach and a great motivator, Robinson sent more than 200 players to the NFL, including Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams.

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Robinson's last game came in the Bayou Classic on Nov. 29, 1997. Grambling lost to Southern University 30-7.

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After retiring, Robinson was succeeded by one of his former star players, Doug Williams.

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Robinson was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame shortly after he retired.

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Robinson continued to motivate after his retirement and talked to the Notre Dame players before their first game of the 1999 season.

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In his later years, Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Once one of the most ebullient personalities in sports, Robinson became quiet and distant before his death.