What is the Cradle of Coaches?
| Throughout the sports world, Miami University is recognized as the Cradle of Coaches. Legendary coaches such as Bo Schembechler, John Harbaugh, Ara Parseghian, and Paul Brown all had roots at Miami, and their lasting impact on college and professional football is still felt today. More than 100 Miami graduates have gone on to work in coaching or administrative roles at the collegiate and professional levels, with over 30 currently serving as head coaches. Over the past six decades, more than 20 coaches with Miami roots have been recognized as National Coaches of the Year. The term Cradle of Coaches was popularized by Bob Kurz, a 1958 Miami graduate and former Miami Sports Information Director. In his book Miami of Ohio: The Cradle of Coaches, Kurz documented the university's rich coaching legacy from its humble beginnings through the 2002 season. His inspiration came in 1959, when Miami alumni Paul Dietzel and Ara Parseghian were leading the top two college programs in the nation, while Paul Brown, Sid Gillman, and Weeb Ewbank were revolutionizing the professional game. |
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Coming in 2026, experience how Miami University shaped football's greatest legends, earning the title Cradle of Coaches.
Statues in the Cradle of Coaches Plaza
Established in 2009 through the support of Daniel van Voorhis, 11 bronze statues stand at the south gate of Yager Stadium to honor the legacy of Miami’s legendary coaches. Learn more about the history of the plaza.
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Earl Blaik |
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Paul Brown |
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Carm Cozza |
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Paul Dietzel |
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Weeb Ewbank |
John Harbaugh |
Sean McVay |
Ara Parseghian |
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John Pont |
Bo Schembechler |
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Thomas Van Voorhis |
Meet the Legends
This list includes all who have been inducted into the Cradle of Coaches.
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