Bernie Bierman and John McKay

[tvolsfan]

When debates about college football's greatest coaches arise, why is it that these two guys don't ever seem to be mentioned? Maybe someone else could shed some light, but it seems like I never hear about either of them.

Bernie Bierman-5 national titles, 10 conference titles, 153-65-12 career record in 27 seasons.

John Mckay-4 national titles, 9 conference titles, 127-40-8 career record in 16 seasons.

The reason I would guess people forget about Bierman is Minnesota has basically been irrelevant since his success there. Still, he has 5 national titles (going by those recognized by cfbdatawarehouse), and if it weren't for the AP randomly not having a poll in 1935, he would probably be the only coach with 3 straight AP titles (1934-1936).

As far as McKay, I've heard his name a little more, but I don't usually hear him mentioned when discussing the best coaches of all time. As far as I know, he's the only coach other than Bryant with at least 4 consensus AP/Coaches national titles. I definitely think Bryant is the greatest college football coach of all time, but McKay was only at USC for 16 seasons. It seems very possible that he would have had as many or more national titles if he stayed at USC instead of going to the NFL. I would guess that the lack of longevity keeps him from being mentioned more often when considering college football's top coaches.

Anyone know any more about these two and why they aren't talked about as much?

 

[MaehlMan]

Because they didn't coach in the SEC...and I'm only partially kidding.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[tvolsfan]

Because they didn't coach in the SEC...and I'm only partially kidding.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

That doesn't prevent guys like Woody Hayes from being mentioned.

 

[MaehlMan]

That doesn't prevent guys like Woody Hayes from being mentioned.

I know, but when you're talking with people who are fans of SEC teams, the Bear, Neyland, etc. are going to get mentioned before a coach from Minnesota from 80 years ago and a coach from the West Coast.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[tvolsfan]

I know, but when you're talking with people who are fans of SEC teams, the Bear, Neyland, etc. are going to get mentioned before a coach from Minnesota from 80 years ago and a coach from the West Coast.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

It's not just what comes up when talking to SEC fans. In any discussion/list, it doesn't seem like their names come up as often.

 

[MaehlMan]

It's not just what comes up when talking to SEC fans. In any discussion/list, it doesn't seem like their names come up as often.

Gotcha. I thought you were specifically referencing discussions on this site.

Dunno about McKay, though. His name should come up more. He's a former Duck player and assistant, therefore making him awesome.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[tvolsfan]

Bump... Anyone else have an opinion on this?

 

[justingroves]

People remember McKay more for his time in Tampa Bay than USC and no one was alive to see Bierman.

 

[tvolsfan]

People remember McKay more for his time in Tampa Bay than USC and no one was alive to see Bierman.

Most people don't remember Neyland. While he may not come up in debates that often, he is often mentioned and those who know about college football recognize his achievements. I think if Minnesota hadn't just disappeared, more people would know about Bierman.