Moeller, who died Monday at 81, was a dynamic football coach for the Wolverines. However, he also was quick with a glass of ice-cold lemonade, a joke and football lessons.
Jul 13, 2022Liked by Steve Kornacki, Derek Kornacki
Back when I was helping out the U-M athletic department on occasion, I attended my first ever Michigan football kickoff luncheon the same year Coach Moeller started his Wolverines head coaching tenure. I remember laughing out loud at a joke Coach told to the media and thinking how unlike Bo he was, in that regard. But, during his preview about the upcoming season, I couldn’t help but get all excited about where he would be taking the team (pretty much into the 20th century with a dynamic pro set). I agree with you—had Coach Moeller been at Michigan for 20 years, he would have surpassed Bo’s records without a doubt. And if the Lions weren’t the Lions, they would have made him their permanent head coach. I can only imagine where he would have taken that team. I’ll remember him for his successes, though. That, and his smile.
Back when I was helping out the U-M athletic department on occasion, I attended my first ever Michigan football kickoff luncheon the same year Coach Moeller started his Wolverines head coaching tenure. I remember laughing out loud at a joke Coach told to the media and thinking how unlike Bo he was, in that regard. But, during his preview about the upcoming season, I couldn’t help but get all excited about where he would be taking the team (pretty much into the 20th century with a dynamic pro set). I agree with you—had Coach Moeller been at Michigan for 20 years, he would have surpassed Bo’s records without a doubt. And if the Lions weren’t the Lions, they would have made him their permanent head coach. I can only imagine where he would have taken that team. I’ll remember him for his successes, though. That, and his smile.
Thanks for sharing, Brian. Gary definitely had a great smile and personality!
I really enjoyed that recollection, Brian. As always, we appreciate your thoughts