20 best college football coaches without a national championship
By Brad Weiss
Bo Schembechler
, Miami (OH), Michigan
When you think about Michigan football, it is almost impossible to not think about Bo Schembechler. Arguably the most recognizable coach in the history of the program, Schembechler was the man in charge from 1969-89, and helped the team dominate the Big Ten. He succeeded Bump Elliott at Michigan, and by the time he was done, he had become the best head coach to ever grace the Wolverines sidelines.
A winner of 234 college football games, Schembechler led the Wolverines to 13 Big Ten titles. His biggest bugaboo was the fact that he struggled in bowl games, winning only five of the 17 his teams to part in. He beat an Ohio State team that was the best in the country in his first season at Michigan, kicking off a “Ten Years War” with the hated Buckeyes.
During his time at Michigan, Schembechler also renewed the school’s rivalry with Notre Dame. In his first 10 years at the school, the Wolverines finished in the top-10 in the AP Poll ever season, and ranked in the top-10 16 times during his career. Schembechler had 11 double-digit win seasons during his time at Michigan, and was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame back in 1993.
A six-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Schembechler’s best shot at a national title came in 1985. That season, his Buckeyes finished No. 2 in the country, which was their highest finish during his tenure. He may not have won a national title at Michigan, but he left his mark on not only the University, but on college football as a whole.