Grant Teaff facts for kids
Teaff, c. 1976
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 12, 1933 Hermleigh, Texas, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1953–1954 | San Angelo |
| 1955 | McMurry |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1956 | Lubbock HS (TX) (assistant) |
| 1957–1959 | McMurry (assistant) |
| 1960–1965 | McMurry |
| 1966–1968 | Texas Tech (assistant) |
| 1969–1971 | Angelo State |
| 1972–1992 | Baylor |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1992–1993 | Baylor |
| 1993–2016 | AFCA (executive director) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 170–151–8 |
| Bowls | 4–4 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 2 SWC (1974, 1980) | |
| Awards | |
| AFCA Coach of the Year (1974) Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (1974) 2x SWC Coach of the Year (1974, 1980) Amos Alonzo Stagg Award (2006) |
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| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 2001 (profile) |
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Grant Garland Teaff (born November 12, 1933) is a famous former American football player and coach. He was a head coach at McMurry University (1960–1965), Angelo State University (1969–1971), and Baylor University (1972–1992). During his coaching career, he won 170 games, lost 151, and tied 8.
For 21 seasons, he led the Baylor Bears football team. Under his guidance, the Bears won two Southwest Conference championships. They also played in eight important bowl games. Grant Teaff's 128 wins are the most by any coach in Baylor's history. In 2001, he was honored by being added to the College Football Hall of Fame.
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Early Football Career
Grant Teaff started playing football at Snyder High School in Snyder, Texas. After high school, he played college football. He first played for San Angelo Junior College, which is now Angelo State University. Later, he played for McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.
In 1956, Teaff became an assistant coach. He worked for his former coach, Wilford Moore, at Lubbock High School. From 1957 to 1959, he was an assistant coach at McMurry University.
First Head Coaching Jobs
Grant Teaff became a head coach for the first time at McMurry University in 1960. He coached there until 1965. Some of his players became professional football stars. These included Dick Compton and Ernie Park.
After McMurry, Teaff worked as an assistant coach at Texas Tech. Then, from 1969 to 1971, he was the head coach at Angelo State University.
Coaching the Baylor Bears
In 1972, Grant Teaff got the head coaching job at Baylor University. The Baylor football team had struggled before he arrived. They had won only 7 games and lost 43 in the five seasons before Teaff.
The "Miracle on the Brazos"
Teaff quickly turned the Baylor team around. In 1974, just two years after he started, Baylor won eight games. They also won the Southwest Conference title. This was their first conference championship since 1924!
A famous game that season was against the Texas Longhorns. Baylor was losing 24–7 at halftime. But they made an amazing comeback and won 34–24. This was Baylor's first win against Texas in 17 years. The 1974 season and this big win are called the "Miracle on the Brazos." This name comes from the Brazos River near the Baylor campus.
"Keep the Worms Warm!"
In 1978, Teaff led his team to another memorable win. His Baylor Bears had a tough season, with only 2 wins and 8 losses. They were about to play the #9 ranked Texas team. Many Baylor players were hurt, and everyone expected them to lose.
To help his team, Teaff used a new play style called the Wildcat formation. He also told them a unique story to motivate them. He spoke about two Eskimo fishermen. One caught many fish, but the other caught none. The frustrated fisherman asked for the secret. His friend pulled a worm from his mouth and said, "You've got to keep the worms warm!"
Teaff told his team that winning might be uncomfortable for a short time. But if they pushed through for 60 minutes, it would be worth it. He pulled a worm from his mouth and told his team, "This game is yours!" The Bears then won the game 38-14, finishing the season 3-8.
Baylor's Continued Success
Teaff stayed as Baylor's head coach until 1992. His teams often had winning records. They won the Southwest Conference title again in 1980. His teams also won the 1979 Peach Bowl, the 1985 Liberty Bowl, the 1986 Bluebonnet Bowl, and the 1992 John Hancock Bowl. The John Hancock Bowl was his very last game as a coach.
Baylor teams under Teaff were known for their success against the University of Texas. He had a 10–11 record against them. This was much better than Baylor's record against Texas before and after Teaff's time.
Later Life and Family
After he stopped coaching, Grant Teaff took on a new role. In 1994, he became the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). This organization is located in Waco, Texas.
The AFCA helps football coaches across the United States. They often advise the NCAA and the media. They talk about new rules and changes in college football.
Grant Teaff is married to Donell Phillips. They have three daughters together.
