Discover the defining moments in the early life of Hayden Fry. From birth to education, explore key events.
John Hayden Fry was a prominent American college football coach and player. He held head coaching positions at Southern Methodist University (SMU), North Texas State University, and most notably, the University of Iowa, where he coached from 1979 to 1998. Fry amassed a career coaching record of 232–178–10. He also played college football at Baylor University. His contributions to the sport led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
February 28, 1929: Hayden Fry's Birth
On February 28, 1929, John Hayden Fry was born. He later became a prominent American college football player and coach.
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1947: Played at Baylor University
In 1947, Hayden Fry began playing football at Baylor University.
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1950: Baylor University Football
From 1947 to 1950, Baylor had a 26-13-2 record during Fry's four years playing there.
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1951: Graduation from Baylor
In 1951, Hayden Fry graduated from Baylor University with a degree in psychology.
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1951: Teacher and Assistant Coach at Odessa High School
In 1951, Hayden Fry worked as an American history teacher and assistant football coach at Odessa High School.
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1952: Joined the U.S. Marine Corps
In 1952, Hayden Fry joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
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1952: Joined U.S. Marine Corps
In 1952, Hayden Fry served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
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February 1955: Discharged from Marines
In February 1955, Hayden Fry was discharged from the Marines with the rank of captain.
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1955: Returned to Odessa High School
In 1955, Hayden Fry returned to Odessa as a teacher and assistant football coach and later became head coach.
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1966: Jerry LeVias Debut at SMU
In 1966, Jerry LeVias made his debut at SMU, becoming the first black player signed to a football scholarship in the Southwest Conference. Fry received abuse for recruiting a black player.
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1989: Coach TV show launch
In 1989 the sitcom TV show Coach, named after Fry, aired for nine seasons on ABC. The show starred Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox.
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1989: Debut of TV show Coach
In 1989, the television show Coach, starring Craig T. Nelson as "Hayden Fox," debuted. The character was loosely based on Hayden Fry. However, Iowa had a disappointing season in 1989, finishing 5-6 and missing a bowl game.
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1991: Fans expect better year
Although the Hawkeyes lost in Pasadena for the third time under Fry, many fans expected 1991 to be an even better year.
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1997: Coach TV show end
In 1997 the sitcom TV show Coach, named after Fry, ended after airing for nine seasons on ABC. The show starred Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox.
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November 22, 1998: Fry Announces Retirement
On November 22, 1998, Hayden Fry announced his retirement from the University of Iowa, after secretly undergoing radiation treatments for prostate cancer during his final season.
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2002: Interest in Baylor Coaching Position
In 2002, Hayden Fry reportedly showed interest in the open head coaching position at Baylor University, his alma mater.
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December 17, 2019: Hayden Fry's Death
On December 17, 2019, John Hayden Fry passed away. He had a significant impact as a college football coach.
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