November 17, 2006

Bo Schembechler Leaves Legacy at U-M

U-M's legendary football coach Glenn "Bo" Schembechler died Friday, November 17, at the age of 77. Schembechler was rushed to the hospital after collapsing during a taping of his weekly television show, "The Big Ten Ticket." The former coach underwent an operation in mid-October to have a pacemaker and defibrillator installed to help control his heartbeat.

“This is a tremendous shock and an irreplaceable loss for the University of Michigan family,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. “Bo Schembechler embodied all that is best about Michigan—loyalty, dedication and the drive for ever-greater excellence. Bo had an unmistakable twinkle in his eye, and I will miss that spirit and so much more.”

Schembechler led the Michigan football team from 1968-89. During his 21-year career, he won a total of 235 games, capturing 13 Big Ten championships. Upon his retirement, Schembechler ranked as the winningest coach not only in Michigan history, but also the nation. Under his leadership, he guided 17 teams to post-season bowl games (10 Rose Bowls) and another 17 to top 10 finishes in the final wire service polls. In his 27 years of coaching, Schembechler's teams never had a losing season. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Schembechler served as Michigan's Athletic Director from 1988-1990.

Before arriving at Michigan, Schembechler was an assistant coach at Ohio State University under coach Wood Hayes and served as head coach at Miami of Ohio from 1963 until taking over the Michigan program.

“I find it difficult to express what Bo has meant to this program for close to 40 years,” said U-M Athletic Director Bill Martin. “He was a giant of a coach and a giant of a man. His life touched generations of players, families, staff, students and alumni. His energy fueled not only athletic success, but also the incredible pride of all Michigan fans.”

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For additional information, visit the Bentley Historical Library or www.mgoblue.com.

Memorial Service at Michigan Stadium
U-M will hold a "Celebration of Bo's Life" at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Michigan Stadium. All gates of the stadium will be open. Parking will be available at Pioneer High across the street and the Blue, Blue West, Green and Buffalo lots. The Schembechler family asks that memorial gifts be made to the U-M Cardiovascular Center -- Bo Schembechler Heart of a Champion Fund. Contributions should be sent to:

U-M Cardiovascular Center
300 N. Ingalls, #8B02
Ann Arbor, MI 48109