COACH BOBBY DODD

Bobby Dodd remains one of college football's legendary figures as both a player and coach. A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, he played college football at the University of Tennessee, gathering 24 wins, one loss and one tie as the starting quarterback from 1928-1930. He was named to the All-Southern team in 1928 and 1930, and after his last season, was named first team All-American.

Dodd began his coaching career with Georgia Tech in the spring of 1931. He served 14 years as William A. Alexander's top assistant before replacing him in 1945 as Georgia Tech's third head coach. Over the next 22 years, Dodd led the Yellow Jackets to a stellar 165 wins, 64 losses and eight ties. His teams won nine of their 13 post-season bowl game appearances, and 22 of his players were honored as first team All-Americans. Once he retired, Dodd worked as a consultant to the Georgia Tech National Alumni Association.

  
Over the years, Bobby Dodd received many honors, including a selection to the National College Football Hall of Fame, the Helms Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Hall of Fame as a player. For his coaching efforts, he was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame, received the American Football Writers Association Citaion of Honor award, and in December 1993, was inducted posthumously into the National College Football Hall of Fame as a coach. Dodd joined Amos Alonzo Stagg, and later Bowden Wyatt was added, as the only three people ever elected as both a player and coach.  

 

In December 1987, Coach Dodd became ill with lung cancer, and passed away in June 1988 at the age of 79. Earlier that year, Georgia Tech officially renamed its football field Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field, honoring him for more than forty years of leadership and commitment.

Georgia Tech devised and designed the new Homer Rice Athletic Center as part of the information center in the Sports building on campus. The exhibit demonstrates visually the entire history of football, basketball and baseball and other sports in the Georgia Tech history and tradition.

A major part of the Georgia Tech success is the years Bobby Dodd led the Rambling Wreck teams to win 165 games, 64 losses and eight ties.

Bobby Dodd's coaching career started in 1931 as assistant coach. He served as Head Coach form 1945 to 1966, and was Athletic Director for 26 years, 1950-1976. Coach Dodd's record as the winningest football coach at Georgia Tech in his 22 years still stands. Go to Page 2