By Darin He was a man of immense contradictions—an English major who quoted Emerson, a coaching titan who secured five national titles, and a fiery competitor whose temper eventually became his undoing. Woody Hayes didn’t just coach Ohio State football; he was Ohio State football for nearly three decades. From the dominance of the “Super Sophs” to the intense rivalry with Michigan, the story of Wayne Woodrow Hayes is the story of college football’s golden era.
Football Bio
February 14, 1913 – Clifton, Ohio – The Ohio State University coaching legend Wayne Woodrow Hayes was born. We know him better as Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes’ front man from 1951 through 1978. Woody was a large personality who commanded attention. The Buckeyes led the nation in home attendance in 21 of Woody’s 28 years at OSU. Hayes’ offensive football strategy was the old “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust.” In fact, the National Football Foundation suggests that Hayes may have created the phrase. The NFF bio goes on to say how Hayes’ coaching produced three Heisman Trophy winners and 51 first-team All-America selections.
The Buckeyes under Woody Hayes took the National Championship title in 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, and 1970. He majored in English in college and always emphasized educational values in talks with players. He wasn’t without controversy, however, as an SI.com article points out, Hayes had a well-earned reputation for losing his temper. There was the time he shoved a cameraman at the Rose Bowl, and the time he destroyed the sideline markers near the end of a loss to Michigan.
But his biggest tirade, and unfortunately his last impression on the football world, was his infamous punching of a Clemson player in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29, 1978. This action ended Hayes’ long tenure as a coach. Woody was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Conclusion
Woody Hayes remains a towering, albeit polarizing, figure in the annals of the gridiron. While his career ended in a flash of characteristic lightning, his contributions to the sport—and specifically to the culture of Ohio State—are immeasurable. He valued toughness, education, and the relentless pursuit of excellence above all else. Today, he is remembered not just for the championships, but for the fierce loyalty he inspired in his players and the indelible mark he left on the “Ten Year War” against Michigan.
Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1983.
- 5 National Championships: 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970.
- 13 Big Ten Conference Titles: (1954, 1955, 1957, 1961, 1968–1970, 1972–1977).
- 3 Heisman Trophy Winners coached: Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955), Vic Janowicz (1950 – under Fesler, though Woody arrived in ’51), and the legendary Archie Griffin (1974, 1975).
- 2× AFCA Coach of the Year: 1957, 1975.
- 3× FWAA Coach of the Year: 1957, 1968, 1975.
- Career Record: 238–72–10 (including stints at Denison and Miami of Ohio).
- Rose Bowl Success: Led the Buckeyes to 8 Rose Bowl appearances.
