Born in 1908 in O'Neill, Nebraska, Leahy's passion for football was evident from a young age. He played as a tackle at Notre Dame under the legendary coach Knute Rockne and was part of the team that won the national championship in 1929. After his playing career, Leahy turned to coaching, starting as an assistant coach at Georgetown University.
In 1941, Leahy was appointed as the head coach of Boston College, where he led the team to an impressive 20-2 record over two seasons. His success at Boston College caught the attention of his alma mater, Notre Dame, and he was hired as their head coach in 1941.
Leahy's tenure at Notre Dame was marked by unprecedented success. He led the team to four national championships in 1943, 1946, 1947, and 1949. His teams were known for their disciplined play and innovative strategies, including the introduction of the T-formation, which revolutionized the game.
Leahy's coaching style was intense and demanding, but his players respected him for his knowledge of the game and his commitment to excellence. He was known for his meticulous preparation, often spending hours studying film and devising game plans.
Despite his success, Leahy's coaching career was not without controversy. He was often criticized for his intense, sometimes harsh, coaching style. He also faced criticism for his recruitment practices, with some accusing him of bending the rules to attract top talent.
Leahy retired from coaching in 1953 due to health issues, but his impact on the game of football was far from over. He served as the commissioner of the American Football League (AFL) from 1960 to 1966, helping to establish the league as a viable competitor to the National Football League (NFL).
Leahy's contributions to football were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970, and the football stadium at Boston College is named in his honor.
Frank Leahy passed away in 1973, but his legacy lives on in the game he loved. His innovative strategies, intense coaching style, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
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26 issues
1940-1965
Founded in 1855, Street & Smith Publications, Inc. was a New York City publisher specializing in inexpensive paperbacks and magazines
/ Founded in 1855, Street & Smith Publications, Inc. was a New York City publisher specializing in inexpensive paperbacks and magazines referred to as dime novels and pulp fiction. They also started publishing sporting yearbooks in 1940. Their flagship Street & Smith Football Yearbook covered both the pro and college game until 1963, when a separate "Pro" publication was launched in 1963 and finally, in 1966, into separate pro and college issues. A baseball issue was introduced beginning in 1960, and a basketball issue beginning in 1979. Street & Smith was bought out in 1959 by Condé Nast Publications which merged all sports publications into the Sporting News product line after the 2007 season.