Hayden Fry's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Hayden Fry. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1903: Tied School Record for Wins

In 1983, Iowa's nine wins overall tied the school record for wins in a single season set in 1903.

1946: State Championship at Odessa High School

In 1946, Hayden Fry led Odessa High School to the Texas state high school championship, earning all-state honors as a quarterback.

1953: Marine Corps Championship

In 1953, Hayden Fry played with the Quantico Marines football team, winning the Marine Corps championship and playing in the Poinsettia Bowl.

1959: Iowa's First Bowl Win Since 1959

In 1982, Iowa defeated Tennessee to earn Iowa's first bowl victory since 1959.

1959: Hawkeyes Last Rose Bowl

Since Iowa had last been to the Rose Bowl in 1959, the Hawkeyes got the conference's berth in the 1982 Rose Bowl.

1966: Southwest Conference Title

In 1966, SMU had an 8–2 record and won its first Southwest Conference title in 18 years. The team lost in the Cotton Bowl Classic and finished the year ranked No. 10.

1967: LeVias all-conference selection

In 1967, SMU had a down year, but Jerry LeVias was again an all-conference selection.

1968: Defeated Oklahoma in Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl

In 1968, SMU defeated Oklahoma in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. LeVias was selected as an all-conference player for the third time.

1973: Turned North Texas' Program Around

From 1973 to 1978, Hayden Fry compiled a 40-23-3 record over six seasons, turning North Texas' program around.

1977: Winning Season at North Texas

In 1977, North Texas had a 10-1 record, contributing to Fry's success in turning the program around.

1978: Successful Seasons at North Texas

From 1973 to 1978, Hayden Fry compiled a 40-23-3 record over six seasons, turning North Texas' program around.

1981: Most Big Ten Wins

From 1981 to 1987, Iowa's 62 victories were the most of any Big Ten team in that span.

1981: Beginning of Successful Period for Iowa Football

From 1981 to 1991, Iowa's football program experienced a period of significant success under Hayden Fry, marked by high winning percentages, numerous bowl game appearances, and Big Ten titles.

1981: Breakthrough Season for Iowa

In 1981, Iowa upset Nebraska and UCLA, defeated Michigan, and clinched its first winning season and bowl appearance in 19 years.

1982: Peach Bowl Berth and Win

In 1982, after starting the season with an 0-2 record, Iowa earned a berth in the Peach Bowl, defeating Tennessee to earn Iowa's first bowl victory since 1959.

1982: Rose Bowl Berth

Since Iowa had last been to the Rose Bowl in 1959, the Hawkeyes got the conference's berth in the 1982 Rose Bowl.

1985: Ranked Number 1

1985 was arguably Fry's best season at Iowa. Iowa was ranked No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time in 24 years and remained there for five weeks.

1985: Routing Texas in Freedom Bowl

In 1984, the Hawkeyes set the stage for the 1985 season by routing Texas, 55–17, in the Freedom Bowl.

1985: Big Ten Title

In 1985, Iowa won its first outright Big Ten title in 27 years and secured Fry's second Rose Bowl berth and a top ten final ranking.

1986: Winningest Coach in Hawkeye History

In 1986, a win over Iowa State was Fry's 53rd at Iowa, vaulting him past Forest Evashevski to become the winningest coach in Hawkeye history.

1987: Holiday Bowl Victory

In 1987, Iowa had a 9–3 record and returned to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. A second straight Holiday Bowl victory gave Iowa another ten win season.

1988: Fry's tenth season at Iowa

In 1988, Hayden Fry marked his tenth season at Iowa, becoming the first coach to lead the Hawkeyes for a decade. The team finished with a 6–3–3 record and played in the 1988 Peach Bowl, marking their eighth consecutive bowl game appearance. This season was also the 100th anniversary of Iowa football.

1990: Third Big Ten Title and Rose Bowl Berth

In 1990, Hayden Fry secured his third Big Ten Conference title and Rose Bowl berth for Iowa. Despite a loss to Minnesota, Iowa earned the Rose Bowl trip due to regular-season victories over other top contenders.

1991: End of Iowa's successful football run

From 1981 to 1991, Iowa's football program experienced a period of significant success under Hayden Fry, marked by high winning percentages, numerous bowl game appearances, and Big Ten titles.

1991: Tying school record for wins and Fry's 100th victory at Iowa

In 1991, Iowa posted a 10–1 record, but a loss to Michigan cost Fry a fourth Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth. Iowa's season ending win against Minnesota in 1991 was win number ten on the season, tying the school record for wins in a season and Fry's 100th victory at Iowa. The Hawkeyes accepted a third invitation to the Holiday Bowl, and the 13–13 tie with BYU gave Iowa a 10–1–1 final record and a top ten finish in the final AP rankings.

1993: 200th Coaching Victory

In 1993, after a slow start, the Hawkeyes rebounded to earn an Alamo Bowl berth, with the final win of the 1993 season marking Hayden Fry's 200th career victory.

1995: Sun Bowl Victory

In 1995, the Hawkeyes finished with a 7-4 record, defeating Washington in the Sun Bowl.

1996: Alamo Bowl Shutout

In 1996, Iowa recorded an 8-3 record, ending the year with a 27-0 victory over Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl, marking the first bowl shutout in school history.

2003: Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2003, Hayden Fry was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach.

2005: Amos Alonzo Stagg Award

In 2005, Hayden Fry received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award from the American Football Coaches Association.

2009: Hayden Fry Way

In 2009, First Avenue in Coralville, Iowa was co-named Hayden Fry Way in his honor.

December 30, 2010: Induction into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

On December 30, 2010, Hayden Fry was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

2011: Recognition at Rose Bowl

In 2011, Hayden Fry was recognized for his Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction during the Rose Bowl game.

January 2016: Announcement of Fry Statue

In January 2016, it was announced that Coralville's City Council was set to vote on an agreement with a company to design and create a life-sized bronze statue to honor Hayden Fry.