Date of Birth: February 28, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: December 17, 2019
Biography
John Hayden Fry was an eminent American football coach, recognized for his transformative impact on college football. Born on February 28, 1929, in Eastland, Texas, Fry became a legendary figure in the sport, primarily through his tenure as the head coach of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes from 1979 to 1998. He played college football at Baylor University as a quarterback and later transitioned into coaching, starting at the high school level before moving up to college football. Fry began his college coaching career at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1962, where he coached until 1972. He then moved on to North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) before taking the helm at the University of Iowa. Under Fry’s leadership, the Hawkeyes experienced a resurgence, winning three Big Ten titles and appearing in 14 bowl games. Fry was known for his innovative coaching techniques, including the implementation of the “swarming defense” and the “zone blitz.” He also left a lasting legacy through his mentorship, with many of his assistant coaches going on to successful head coaching careers. Fry was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats. Hayden Fry passed away on December 17, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence the world of college football.
5 Interesting Facts about Hayden Fry
1. Hayden Fry served in the United States Marine Corps before embarking on his coaching career.
2. He was known for introducing the “Tigerhawk” logo to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ helmets, which became an iconic symbol for the team.
3. Fry battled prostate cancer during his coaching career but continued to lead his team successfully.
4. He authored an autobiography titled “A High Porch Picnic,” which provides insights into his life and coaching philosophy.
5. Fry was instrumental in breaking racial barriers in college football by recruiting and starting African American players during his tenure at SMU.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hayden Fry
1. “Scratch where it itches. If it’s working, stick with it.”
2. “A winner never stops trying.”
3. “The key to coaching is not what you do, but what you emphasize.”
4. “You just have to keep grinding, putting the pieces together, and keeping the spirit alive.”
5. “When you get to the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Hayden Fry’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Hayden Fry had five children: Randy Fry, Hayden Fry Jr., Zachary Fry, Robin Fry, and Kelly Fry.
Relevant Links
4. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayden-Fry
