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Ohio State Football: 10 greatest coaches in program history

By Quinn Douglas

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands on the sideline during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands on the sideline during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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8. Earle Bruce: 1979-1987

  • Career Record: 86-26-1
  • Awards and Accolades: 1979, ’81, ’84, ’86 Big Ten Champions, CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2002

The coach to kick off this list was the man who replaced Woody Hayes in 1979, Earle Bruce. Bruce played football briefly for Ohio State until an injury ended his career. Upon graduation, Bruce coached at the high school level for Salem, Sandusky and Massillon High Schools. Following his tenure at Massillon, he rejoined Woody Hayes’s staff at Ohio State until he became head coach for the University of Tampa for one season. He then coached at Iowa State from 1973-1978.

Related Story: 5 reasons Ohio State will win the Big Ten in 2018

Bruce then returned to Columbus following Woody Hayes firing following the 1978 Gator Bowl. He wasted no time rebuilding the Buckeyes, leading them to an 11-1 season in 1979 and a Big Ten Championship. Bruce would win three more conference championships during his time at Ohio State and would never win less than nine games in his tenure, excluding his final season.

Before the 1987 game against Michigan, Bruce was unceremoniously fired due to the Buckeyes poor season, but was allowed to coach the final game. Ohio State would play a spirited game against their rivals and knocked off Michigan by a final score of 23-20. Bruce would then go on to coach at Northern Iowa, Colorado State and a host of teams in arena football.

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