Open Door Policy
LOOK INSIDE COACHES OFFICE: BOBBY ROSS
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A legendary coach leading a storied program at one of the nation’s most respected institutions...that’s the story that unfolded in December of 2003 when the United States Military Academy announced the hiring of Bobby Ross as Army’s new football coach. A head coach in the college ranks for 15 years, Ross also coached the San Diego Chargers and the Detroit Lions in the NFL. He helped lead the Chargers to their only Super Bowl appearance in history in 1994.
Ross compiled a 94-76-2 record as head coach at the Citadel (1973-77), Maryland (1982-86) and Georgia Tech (1987-1991). He guided the Yellow Jackets to a share of the national championship with Colorado in 1990. During nine seasons with the Lions and Chargers, his teams posted a 77-68 mark.
Although his first season at West Point ended at 2-9 with a 42-13 loss to Navy, Ross feels the team has improved. “I feel we made progress,” he said. “We started to climb the mountain, but we’re not there yet.”
A native of Richmond, Ross played quarterback and defensive back at VMI. His son, Kevin, a graduate of the Naval Academy, serves as Army’s offensive coordinator and running backs coach. We spoke to Coach Ross about Army football while in his office. More specifically, what is it like being Army’s football leader and what goes on behind the scenes? What is the inner-workings of a day like for him? Included is an intimate look inside a coach’s den...
AFM: After your years as a head coach at both the collegiate and pro ranks, what was it like coming back to college football and, more specifically, what was it like walking into your new office at West Point?
BR: It’s refreshing to be back in college football... I was away from it (coaching) for about 2 1/2 years and missed it. In the last few years I helped my son who was coaching at Virginia, watching game film with him and going to some games... it really renewed my interest in the college game.
I have a big office – probably the biggest one I’ve ever had but it’s relatively bare... it has a beautiful view of Michie Stadium... my initial feelings were that I was anxious to start and really get going with the program.
AFM: Tell me how the office is used? Do you have staff meetings there, do recruits visit, do you use it to watch tape?
BR: We have a number of business meetings there and many recruits and their families come into the office when they’re visiting. I also meet one-on-one with players and watch a lot of game tape. I have a policy that my door is always open and often times a player will e-mail me and want to set up a meeting.
AFM: In your first year have you had any interesting visitors?
BR: Many West Point graduates as well as Generals that have served in Iraq have visited the office. One General brought back a flag from a battle in Afghanistan. A number of soldiers from Special Forces units have also come by as well as Pete Dawkins, the retired General and Army Heisman Trophy winner. My former Maryland Quarterback Boomer Esiason has also come by to visit.
AFM: Have you had any interesting mail or phone calls?
BR: I’ve received a number of letters from coaches and members of the media offering their support to me. As I mentioned, many soldiers have written to me from Iraq and Afghanistan. After seeing all of the support of the military, I believe Army is America’s team and not the Dallas Cowboys. We have a more far-reaching program.
AFM: Have many fellow-coaches stopped by your office?
BR: Not many... an assistant from the Miami Dolphins has been here as well as former East Carolina Head Coach Steve Logan... he’s done some television for us.
AFM: What are some of the personal and professional memorabilia in your office?
BR: It’s relatively bare after being in it just over a year but I do have a few plaques... one is General George Marshall’s famous quote about the meaning of Army football: “I need a man for a secret mission. I need a West Point football player.” I also have some photos: my dad when he played football; a photo of a clinic at Lafayette for high school kids in which money was raised for a young girl who was very ill; and a photo of the last play of the 1946 Army-Navy game. Army held off Navy, 21-18, and Barney Poole made the last tackle.
AFM: If you were allowed to take only one item from your office, what would it be?
BR: The photo of my dad.
AFM: If you could invite any three coaches into your office for a philosophical football discussion, who would they be?
BR: Certainly John McKenna, my college coach at VMI and the only coach to have a winning record there. Also, Marv Levy whom I coached with at both William and Mary and the Kansas City Chiefs. If I could have three others, rather than one, I’d have Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer, Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen, and Alabama Coach Sylvester Croom. Coach Croom was with me for nine years in San Diego and Detroit.
AFM: If you could be a GA again and learn from one coach, who would it be?
BR: John McKenna... he was not only a great coach but a great person and has many of the qualities attributed to John Wooden. He’s 92 now and living in Atlanta.
AFM: What thoughts or advice would you give to the person that will eventually replace you?
BR: Be patient and learn the system. Know that West Point is a unique place and you don’t have to lessen the demands of the cadets even though their schedule is more than full. Continue to communicate with the players – I go to the weight room daily and try to meet with the players individually. Most importantly, always keep the lines of communication open with your players.
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