Date of Birth: February 28, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: December 17, 2019
Biography
John Hayden Fry, born February 28, 1929, in Eastland, Texas, was a prominent American football coach who left an indelible mark on the sport. Fry is best known for his successful tenure as the head coach of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, where he transformed a struggling football program into a national powerhouse. Before his time at Iowa, Fry coached at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). Fry’s coaching career spanned over four decades, during which he developed a reputation for his innovative offensive strategies and charismatic leadership. His coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and mental toughness. Fry’s influence extended beyond the football field, as he mentored numerous future coaches who went on to achieve significant success in their own right. Under Fry’s leadership, the Iowa Hawkeyes achieved several notable accomplishments, including three Big Ten Conference championships and 14 bowl game appearances. Fry’s impact on college football was recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Hayden Fry passed away on December 17, 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of college football.
5 Interesting Facts about Hayden Fry
1. Hayden Fry served in the U.S. Marine Corps before starting his coaching career.
2. Fry was a key figure in integrating college football in the South, recruiting the first black player at SMU.
3. He was known for his use of psychological tactics, including painting the visitor’s locker room pink to “calm” his opponents.
4. Fry received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award, which honors individuals for their contributions to the sport of football.
5. Several of Fry’s former assistants became successful head coaches, including Barry Alvarez and Bill Snyder.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hayden Fry
1. “Scratch where it itches.”
2. “In football, you never know what’s going to happen until you play the game.”
3. “If you stay the same, you’re going to be left behind.”
4. “You can’t have a great life unless you have a good time.”
5. “The secret is to work less as individuals and more as a team.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Hayden Fry’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Hayden Fry had five children: Randy Fry, Zachary Fry, Kelly Fry, Robin Fry, and Jay Fry.
Relevant Links
1. [Hayden Fry – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayden_Fry
