Miami football patriarch Howard Schnellenberger passes away at 87
The patriarch of the Miami football program, Howard Schnellenberger has passed away at 87. Schnellenberger was hired in 1979 as the Hurricanes head coach. Miami finished 5-6 in the first year under Schnellenberger. The tone for the type of program Miami would become with an upset at number 19 Penn State.
The Hurricanes dominated the Nittany Lions 26-10 with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and legendary Miami radio analyst Don Bailey Jr. subbing at center. When Schnellenberger was hired he instituted the State of Miami. The Hurricanes would create a virtual 30-mile fence around South Florida recruiting.
Schnellenberger recognized the talent in South Florida. Miami began to turn a program on the verge of cancelation or dropping down to Division I-AA (now FCS) into the best in college football. Miami combined to go 18-5 in the second and third seasons under Schnellenberger including a 1981 Peach Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
Miami took a step back going 7-4 in 1982, setting the stage for the magical 1983 season. The Hurricanes lost 28-3 to Florida to began the 1983 season and never suffered defeat again. Schnellenberger was known for his pro-style offense, but Miami won with defense allowing 72 points in their 10 regular-season wins.
The Hurricanes allowed 11.3 points per game in 1983 which was third nationally. Miami entered the 1984 Orange Bowl against Nebraska as a double-digit underdog on their home field. The Cornhuskers were dubbed the greatest team in the history of college football. Nebraska led the nation averaging 50.1 PPG.
The game changed the history of Miami football. Miami survived late after losing a 17-0 lead. Safety Kenny Calhoun batted down a Nebraska two-point conversion by All-American QB Turner Gill. Miami went on to win 31-30 to secure one of the biggest upsets in college football history and birth a dynasty.
Schnellenberger left the Hurricanes following the 1983 season to accept the head coaching job of the Miami team in the USFL that never came to fruition. Jimmy Johnson succeeded Schnellengerer and with Dennis Erickson who replaced Johnson won three national titles between 1987 and 1991.
Next. CFB HoF needs to drop arrogance and consider Howard Schnellenberger. dark
The legend of Schnellenberger lives on. Current Miami head coach Manny Diaz has made it a priority to dominate recruiting in South Florida as much as possible in the modern era of college football. Schnellenberger created a legacy for himself as a coach and the dominant era of the Miami football program started in 1983.