Bob DeMoss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bob DeMoss

DeMoss from the 1947 Purdue yearbook
Biographical details
Born	(1927-01-27)January 27, 1927 Dayton, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	July 23, 2017(2017-07-23) (aged 90) West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.
Playing career
1945–1948	Purdue
1949	New York Bulldogs
Position(s)	Quarterback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1950–1969	Purdue (assistant)
1970–1972	Purdue
Head coaching record
Overall	13–18

Robert "Bob" Alonzo DeMoss (born January 27, 1927 – died July 23, 2017) was an important person in American football. He was a player, a coach, and an administrator for college sports. He is best known for being the head football coach at Purdue University from 1970 to 1972. During his time as head coach, his team won 13 games and lost 18.

Early Life and Education

Bob DeMoss was born in Dayton, Kentucky, on January 27, 1927. He went to Purdue University for college. There, he earned a special degree in forestry, which is the science of managing forests.

Football Career

Playing Football

Bob DeMoss played football as a quarterback for Purdue from 1945 to 1948. As a player, he helped his team win their first four games. This success moved them up to be ranked 9th in the country. In one big game, he led Purdue to a 35-13 victory over the 4th-ranked team.

After college, he was chosen by the New York Bulldogs in the 1949 NFL Draft. He played for them in 1949. The New York Giants also picked him in the 1950 NFL Draft. However, DeMoss decided to stop playing. He chose to become an assistant football coach at Purdue instead.

Assistant Coach Role

Bob DeMoss worked as an assistant football coach at Purdue for 20 years, starting in 1950. He became known for helping Purdue become a "cradle of quarterbacks." This means he was very good at finding and training talented quarterbacks. Some famous quarterbacks he coached include Len Dawson, Bob Griese, and Mike Phipps.

Besides coaching, DeMoss also helped manage other sports at Purdue. He oversaw programs like baseball, golf, swimming, and tennis for men.

Purdue Head Coach

In 1970, Bob DeMoss became the head football coach at Purdue. He took over from coach Jack Mollenkopf. DeMoss was the third Purdue graduate to become the head coach.

When he became head coach, Purdue had strong running backs like Stan Brown and Otis Armstrong. However, the team had trouble finding a consistent quarterback. DeMoss coached for three seasons. He decided to step down after the 1972 season. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. His overall record as head coach was 13 wins and 18 losses.

One exciting moment was on October 3, 1970. Purdue upset the third-ranked Stanford University team with a 26-14 win. This big victory earned DeMoss the Coach of the Week award. He resigned as coach on December 3, 1972. After coaching, he continued to work at Purdue as an assistant athletics director until he retired in 1992. In 2008, Purdue honored Bob DeMoss. They put up a special sign with his name in the football offices.

Honors and Recognition

Bob DeMoss was recognized for his great contributions to sports. He was inducted into Purdue's Intercollegiate Athletes Hall of Fame. This happened in 1999, which is a big honor for athletes and coaches.

Personal Life

Bob DeMoss was married to Janet DeMoss. They had three children together. He passed away at his home in West Lafayette, Indiana, on July 23, 2017. He was 90 years old.

Head Coaching Record

• This table shows Bob DeMoss's coaching record at Purdue.