Texas Tech University Athletics
First Coaching Legend Participant Announced
March 25, 2002 | Football
March 25, 2002
LUBBOCK, Texas - Former Brigham Young and NFL-Europe line coach Roger French will be one of the featured guests at the Living Legends Social during the 2002 Red Raider Coaching School April 5-6 at the Business Administration building on the Texas Tech campus.
A 40-year veteran of coaching, French spent 21 years at BYU beginning with the 1980 season. He spent the 2001 season as the offensive line coach for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL-Europe. While at BYU, French produced numerous All-WAC and All-America offensive linemen, including the 1989 Outland Trophy winner. During his tenure at BYU, the Cougars won the national championship in 1984 and set an NCAA total offense record with 584 yards per game in 1983. French was the offensive coordinator during those years and led the likes of Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Ty Detmer and Steve Sarkisian. The Cougar offense led the nation in passing eight times and in total offense three times during his tenure.
French began his coaching career at Memphis State University in 1958 as the defensive coordinator and held the post until 1965. During his tenure with the Tigers, French's defense ranked as high as second in the nation. Additionally, French has coaching stops at the University of Wisconsin (1966-69), the University of Minnesota (1970-78) and a season at Northern Iowa University (1979).
French received the top assistant coach award in 1996 from the All-American Football Foundation at the VII Annual Banquet of Champions in Las Vegas. He also won the Holiday Bowl Admiral's Trophy in 1983 from being the person who contributed most to his team. Additionally, French has directly coached 46 players who went on to play in the NFL, nine of whom have won Super Bowl rings.
French is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and played linebacker, fullback and tight end from 1950-53 for the Golden Gophers and earned All-Big Ten honors at each position as a senior. He competed professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.
The Red Raider Coaching School is being presented in conjunction with ASCO, a proud sponsor and supporter of Texas Tech Football. The school is open to the public as well as coaches. For more information on registration, contact the Texas Tech football office at (806) 742-4260.
