Ohio State Coach Earl Bruce

Discussion in 'Sports Board' started by Don Ballard, Apr 20, 2018.

  1. Don Ballard

    Don Ballard Well-Known Member

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    From the Columbus Dispatch:

    EARLE BRUCE | 1931-2018
    Former Ohio State Coach Earle Bruce has died at 87
    Succeeding a legend is often an impossible task. That’s what Earle Bruce faced when he replaced Woody Hayes as Ohio State’s football coach, in 1979. Bruce didn’t win a national championship, as Hayes did multiple times. But he became a legend in his own right, anyway, for as much as what he did off the field as on it. Bruce, who suffered a stroke in 2015…
    at 4:45 PM
    Earle Bruce’s biggest decision was not leaving Ohio State
    Love of football, family stuck with Earle Bruce’s grandson
    Photo gallery | Earle Bruce, 1931-2018
     
    Don Ballard, Apr 20, 2018
    #1
  2. Terry O'Keefe

    Terry O'Keefe Well-Known Member Administrator

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    RIP, Had a very good career.
     
    Terry O'Keefe, Apr 21, 2018
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  3. Bobdawolverweasel

    Bobdawolverweasel Well-Known Member

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    Saw the last game he coached at Ohio State when the Buckeyes upset Michigan in Ann Arbor. It had been announced before the game that Bruce would not be retained. Buckeyes played inspired ball with Chris Speilman having an incredible game at middle linebacker. Can still see in my mind the Buckeye players celebrating by carrying Bruce off the field on their shoulders and Bruce, dressed smartly in a suit with a scarlet tie and grinning ear-to-ear, waiving his old fashioned fedora to the cheering Buckeye fans who made the trek to Ann Arbor.

    RIP Coach Bruce.
     
    Bobdawolverweasel, Apr 21, 2018
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  4. Sid

    Sid Well-Known Member

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    I recall that his teams were consistently very good but not up to the standards expected by OSU fans when Woody was the coach. I recall thinking that when he was let go, it was another example of how difficult it is to follow a legend. Dan Devine actually won a NC but never got the love from the fans that Ara got. I felt Bruce's fate was similar to Devine's, although Devine left on his own.

    RIP Coach.
     
    Sid, Apr 21, 2018
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  5. Don Ballard

    Don Ballard Well-Known Member

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    If my memory is correct, President Jennings wanted Earl fired, Rick Bay the AD at the time, refused and quit rather than fire Earl. No way Earl was going to stay, but he remained loyal to the university until he passed away. RIP, you have deserved it all.
     
    Don Ballard, Apr 21, 2018
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  6. Sid

    Sid Well-Known Member

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    Sid, Apr 22, 2018
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  7. Gator Bill

    Gator Bill Well-Known Member Administrator

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    RIP Earl Bruce.

    As I recall Meyer always considered Bruce as his mentor.
     
    Gator Bill, Apr 22, 2018
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  8. Stu Ryckman

    Stu Ryckman Well-Known Member

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    He considered Bruce his mentor more than most folks realized.

    Earl also started his coaching career her at Mansfield and met his wife here.

    https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/sports/college/ohio-state/2018/04/23/earle-bruce-first-and-foremost-football-coach/541151002/
     
    Stu Ryckman, Apr 25, 2018
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  9. Scott88

    Scott88 Well-Known Member

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    I remember him as the guy who took over for that crazy coach at Ohio St.
    ;-)
    RIP coach... You've got the best seats in the house now.
     
    Scott88, Apr 25, 2018
    #9