The University of Washington football program began in 1889, and the Huskies played their first 26 seasons independent of any conference. That changed in 1916 when the Huskies became one of the original charter members of the Pacific Coast Conference, which later evolved into the Pac-12 Conference. Washington's first golden age of football came in the 1920s and 1930s, under the leadership of head coach Gil Dobie. Dobie led the Huskies to conference championships in 1926 and 1936, and to the Rose Bowl in 1937. After a brief down period following World War II, UW returned to prominence in the 1950s under head coach Jim Owens. Owens led the Huskies to conference championships in 1953, 1956, and 1959, and to the Rose Bowl in 1954, 1957, and 1961. U-Dub's most successful era came in the 1960s and 1970s, under head coach Don James. James led the Huskies to conference championships in 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, and 1977, and to the Rose Bowl in 1973, 1975, 1978, 1980, and 1981. James's teams were known for their strong running game and their physical defense. Washington won its second national championship in 1991, under head coach Dennis Erickson. The Huskies finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record, and defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the Rose Bowl. Here are some of the most notable players and coaches in Washington Huskies football history:
The Washington Huskies football program represents the University of Washington on the gridiron. Washington has won 17 conference championships, seven Rose Bowls, and claims two national championships recognized by NCAA-designated major selectors.