Robert Hill (coach) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1934 |
| Died | May 17, 2016 (aged 81) |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| ?–1955 | Jackson State |
| 1956 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1956 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Position(s) | Fullback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1959–1960 | Magee HS (MS) |
| 1961–1962 | Rowan HS (MS) |
| 1963–1970 | Jackson State (assistant) |
| 1971–1976 | Jackson State |
| Baseball | |
| c. 1970 | Jackson State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 44–15–1 (college football) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 3 SWAC (1972–1973, 1975) |
|
| Awards | |
| SWAC Coach of the Year (1971) | |
Robert "Big Bob" Hill (born around 1934 – died May 17, 2016) was a well-known American football and baseball coach. He is best remembered for his time as the head football coach at Jackson State University. He led the team from 1971 to 1976.
During his coaching career, Robert Hill had an impressive record of 44 wins, 15 losses, and 1 tie. This made his winning record the second best in the history of the Jackson State Tigers football program. He was also famous for coaching future football legends like Walter Payton and Jackie Slater, who later became members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Playing Career
Robert Hill played college football at Jackson State University. After college, he was chosen by the Baltimore Colts in the 1956 NFL Draft. This was a big deal because he was the very first player from Jackson State to sign a contract with a team in the National Football League (NFL).
After playing for the Colts for a short time, he then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1956. His playing career in the NFL was brief, but it opened the door for his coaching journey.
Coaching Journey
After his playing days, Robert Hill started coaching at high schools in Mississippi. He coached at Magee High School and Rowan High School. These early experiences helped him develop his coaching skills.
In 1963, Hill returned to Jackson State University. He worked as an assistant coach for the football team. He learned from other coaches like Edward Clemons, Rod Paige, and Ulysses S. McPherson. He also coached the baseball team at Jackson State around 1970.
Leading the Jackson State Tigers
In 1971, Robert Hill became the head football coach for the Jackson State Tigers. Under his leadership, the team achieved great success. He guided them to win three championships in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1972, 1973, and 1975. In 1971, he was even named the SWAC Coach of the Year.
His time as head coach at Jackson State ended during the 1976 season. His assistant, W. C. Gorden, took over the team. Robert Hill passed away on May 17, 2016, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of success and helped many young athletes achieve their dreams.
Coaching Achievements
Robert Hill's time as a coach was marked by many successes. He was known for his ability to lead teams to victory and to help players become their best.
- Overall College Football Record: 44 wins, 15 losses, 1 tie
- SWAC Championships: 3 (1972, 1973, 1975)
- Awards: SWAC Coach of the Year (1971)
