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Michigan Football: Top 10 greatest coaches in program history

By Quinn Douglas

University of Michigan's head coach Lloyd Carr wonders what is going on during his teams loss to Ohio State University at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 19, 2005. Ohio State won the game 25-21. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
University of Michigan's head coach Lloyd Carr wonders what is going on during his teams loss to Ohio State University at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 19, 2005. Ohio State won the game 25-21. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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5. Bennie Oosterbaan: 1948-1958

  • Career Record: 63-33-4
  • Awards and Accolades: 1948-’50 Big Ten Champions, 1948 National Championship

A Michigan man unlike many others, Bennie Oosterbaan lived his life for the maize and blue. He was a three-sport athlete at Michigan, including an All-American in football and basketball from 1925 to 1928. He remained at Michigan after graduation as an assistant for the football team for almost 20 years. During this time period, Oosterbaan also had an eight-year stint as head basketball coach for the Wolverines.

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Fritz Crisler named Oosterbaan his successor following the 1948 Rose Bowl. His first season with Michigan was a smashing success as he led the Wolverines to another perfect season and their second consecutive national championship. Michigan would win two more conference championships before the dark times that came soon after. Following 1950, Oosterbaan’s record was 42-28-2, mediocre by Michigan standards.

Oosterbaan retired from coaching following the 1958 season, but continued to serve as an administrator at the school until 1972.

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