General Robert R. Neyland

Legendary Football Coach

Texas native General Robert R. Neyland was the architect of a program that propelled the University of Tennessee to the pinnacle of college football.

As a career army officer, Neyland distinguished himself as a student athlete at the U.S. Military Academy, served in World War I and in World War II as base commander in China and India.

Known as a strict disciplinarian and innovator, General Neyland later brought his combination of talents and philosophies to bear on the University of Tennessee football team as head coach from 1926-1952. His teams won four national championships.