Edward "Eddie" Gay Robinson (born 13 February, 1919 in Jackson, Louisiana) spent 56 years as the head college football coach at Grambling State University from 1942 until 1997. He was affectionately known as simply "Coach" throughout college football. During his tenure, he established himself as the winningest coach in college football history becoming the first coach to record 400 wins. (408 wins, 165 losses, 15 ties) Even during the era of segregation in the American South, his talent was praised by and influential upon many white coaches.

Robinson earned his Bachelor's Degree from Leland College in Baker, Louisiana, then went on to obtain his Masters Degree from the University of Iowa in 1954.

More than 200 of his players went on to play in the National Football League including Super Bowl XXII MVP quarterback Doug Williams, who would ultimately succeed Robinson as Grambling's head coach in 1998 following Robinson's retirement.

After several losing seasons in the 1990s, pressure was mounting for Robinson to resign. In 1997, as news escaped that Grambling was planning to dismiss him, public outcry - including condemnation from Louisiana elected officials - led Grambling to retain Robinson's services through the remainder of the season.

The Football Writers of America "Coach of the Year" award is named after Coach Robinson.

As of 2005, Robinson still lives in Grambling, Louisiana and is currently suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

External Links

• Southwest Athletic Conference Page on Coach Robinson