Johnny Majors facts for kids
Majors in 2009
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 21, 1935 Lynchburg, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | June 3, 2020 (aged 85) Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1953–1956 | Tennessee |
| 1957 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1957 | Tennessee (GA) |
| 1958–1959 | Tennessee (backfield) |
| 1960–1963 | Mississippi State (DB) |
| 1964–1967 | Arkansas (assistant) |
| 1968–1972 | Iowa State |
| 1973–1976 | Pittsburgh |
| 1977–1992 | Tennessee |
| 1993–1996 | Pittsburgh |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 185–137–10 |
| Bowls | 9–6 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| National (1976) 3 SEC (1985, 1989, 1990) |
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| Awards | |
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| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 1987 (profile) |
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Johnny Majors (born May 21, 1935, died June 3, 2020) was a famous American football player and college coach. He was an amazing halfback at the University of Tennessee. He was named an All-American in 1956. He also won the Southeastern Conference Most Valuable Player award twice. In 1956, he almost won the Heisman Trophy, coming in second.
After playing one year in the Canadian Football League (CFL), he became a college coach. He was the head coach at Iowa State University (1968–1972). He also coached at the University of Pittsburgh (1973–1976, 1993–1996). Then he coached at his old school, Tennessee (1977–1992). His teams won 185 games, lost 137, and tied 10. His 1976 Pittsburgh team had a perfect season. They won all 12 games and became national champions. Johnny Majors was put into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1987.
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Playing Career Highlights
Johnny Majors played high school football for the Huntland Hornets. His team won the state championship in 1951. His father, Shirley Majors, was his coach in high school. Johnny also played with his brother, Joe, at Huntland. Another brother, Bobby, also played football at Tennessee. All four of Johnny's brothers played football.
At the University of Tennessee, Majors was a "triple-threat" tailback. This means he was great at running, passing, and kicking. He was an All-American player in 1956. He was also the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy that year. The Heisman Trophy went to Paul Hornung from Notre Dame. Many people thought Majors should have won. Notre Dame had a losing record that year, which was unusual for a Heisman winner.
After college, he played for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL in 1957. Then, he started his coaching career.
Coaching Journey
Coaching at Iowa State
Johnny Majors became the head football coach for the Iowa State University Cyclones in 1968. He coached there for five seasons until 1972. His team won 24 games, lost 30, and tied 1. During his time, he led the Cyclones to their first-ever bowl games in 1971 and 1972.
Winning a National Title at Pittsburgh
After Iowa State, Majors became the coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers in 1973. This is where he had his biggest success. He recruited amazing players like Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett.
His 1976 Pittsburgh team had a perfect season. They won every game and became the national champions. After this big win, Majors returned to coach at his old school, Tennessee. He also won the National Coach of the Year award for that amazing season.
Leading the Tennessee Volunteers
Majors coached the Tennessee Volunteers from 1977 to 1992. He led them to win three SEC championships. These wins happened in 1985, 1989, and 1990. In 1989, his team had a huge improvement. They went from winning 5 games to winning 11 games in one year.
He coached the Volunteers to 116 wins, 62 losses, and 8 ties. At the time he left, he had the second most wins in the school's history. As of 2022, he still ranks third for total wins.
Second Time at Pittsburgh
After leaving Tennessee, Majors went back to coach the University of Pittsburgh Panthers again. He coached them from 1993 to 1996. He tried to bring back the success of 1976. However, his second time at Pitt was not as successful. His teams won 12 games and lost 32 over four seasons.
He stopped coaching after the 1996 season. He then worked for Pitt as a special assistant until 2007. There is a room at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association dedicated to him. It shows many items from his football career.
Later Life and Honors
Johnny Majors passed away on June 3, 2020, at his home in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was buried in Lynchburg, Tennessee, with his parents and brother.
A street in Knoxville is named after him. Johnny Majors Drive is on the University of Tennessee campus. It is where the school's practice facility is located. The actor Lee Majors even borrowed Johnny Majors' last name for his stage name. They became friends, and Lee Majors often watched Johnny's games.
Images for kids
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Majors in 2009
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Majors para niños
- List of college football head coaches with non-consecutive tenure
