Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 29, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
Ah, bowl season. It can bring out the best, and worst, in competitors.
On Dec. 29, 1978, during the Gator Bowl, Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman, who had intercepted an Ohio State pass.
It was late in the game, and Clemson began to celebrate the pick and the probable victory. Tapes show Hayes delivering the blow.
Hayes — a legendary coach known for his fiery outbursts and his rivalries with former assistant Bo Schembechler — was fired the next day.
In Hayes’ controversial 28-year career (1951-78) as Ohio State coach, he won two national championships (1954 and 1968) and won or shared 13 Big 10 titles. His Buckeyes went 205-61-10. Overall, Hayes, who coached at his alma mater Denison and Miami of Ohio for five seasons, had a 238-72-10 record.
In 1987, Hayes died at age 84.
The Woody Hayes Award is given annually to six nationally selected outstanding scholar-athletes who demonstrate leadership in their respective sports, exhibit excellence in an academic field, display leadership in a socially responsible organization and exemplify strong moral character.
Other coaches have been involved in similar fracas.
In fact, two months earlier in 1978, Arizona State coach Frank Kush, whose teams won 176 games in 22 seasons, grabbed one of his own players by the facemask. It took a year for the allegations to surface, and it cost Kush his job.
In 1994, Temple coach John Chaney threatened John Calipari during a postgame news conference.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about coaching behavior. Happy bowl season:
“Are coaches meaner or society too sensitive?”
“Is there an unwritten rule about punching the other coach?”
“It’s not just Utah. Here’s why coaches and officials say bad behavior in sports is getting worse”
“Coaches have the power to inspire, influence in ways parents can’t”
“Majerus sides with Chaney, chides refs in ‘goon’ attack”
“Sports should be all fun and games, not fists and fights”
