UW Dawg Pound - Washington Legend Don James Passes AwayAll I Blogged Was Purplehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51197/uw-fav.png2013-10-23T18:53:03-07:00http://www.uwdawgpound.com/rss/stream/46236572013-10-23T18:53:03-07:002013-10-23T18:53:03-07:00Dot...Dot...Dawg (Last Goodbye Edition)
<figure>
<img alt="One last farewell, Coach James." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2ORwmGbtXa2h3Z7d3jI82z-xPvQ=/50x0:590x360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21664973/don_james_102.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>One last farewell, Coach James.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p> Our last goodbye to the Dawgfather with links to thoughts and remembrances from across the web.</p> <p>Today's Dots are the last that we will dedicate to Don James before we begin to shift our focus back to the playing field and the rest of Husky athletics. Though his shawdow casts a long and enduring presence over all of Husky athletics, I have to believe that Coach would have preferred that we focus our attentions on the program that he invested so much of his life cultivating. Today, we'll do that.</p>
<h3>Dawgfather Dots</h3>
<ul>
<li>In case you missed the Sports Center snippet on Don James - here it is:<br><script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJnI&pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:9857074&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>
</li>
<li>The Huskies have announced a series of activities to remember and honor the late Don James. These include a service on-camps for Sunday afternoon, a tasteful video and halftime tribute at this weekend's homecoming game versus Cal, and the sporting of a "DJ" patch on player helmets and coaches attire going forward. <a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209288825" target="_blank">You can see the full agenda on the GoHuskies website</a>.</li>
<li>Give the Cal Golden Bears credit as they will also be honoring Don James this weekend.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>In honor of the late legendary UW coach Don James, the Cal Bears will wear these decals Saturday vs. Washington. <a href="http://t.co/NGI25Y1250">pic.twitter.com/NGI25Y1250</a></p>
— CalFootballEQ (@CalFootballEQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootballEQ/statuses/393124454269607936">October 23, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<li>Ivan Maisel posted the second excellent piece on ESPN <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9857733/washington-huskies-coach-don-james-coached-respect-earned-back" target="_blank">commemorating the life and times of Don James</a> with a focus on the respect that Coach commanded and always gave back.</li>
<li>John McGrath <a href="http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/10/21/3270556/don-james-timeline.html" target="_blank">checked in with his own reflections on Coach James</a>, noting that he wasn't always the cuddliest man in the world, but beloved nonetheless.</li>
<li>Speaking of not being cuddly, the Dawgfather gave an interview to Bob Rondeau right after his resignation before the 1993 season. For those of you who have never heard it, they replayed it on the Husky Honks radio show. It is amazing to go back in time and hear the anger that Coach James harbored towards both the Pac 10 and the local media. Check it out at the 10:42 mark:<br><iframe src="http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/player/embed.html?autoStart=false&useFullScreen=true&mid=23874571&startButtonColor=0xA33335&share=http%3A//www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-dave-softy-mahler-ondemand-softy/husky-honks-don-james-tribute-1022-23874571/&podcastFeed=softy.xml&programName=podcast" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="188" scrolling="no" width="335"></iframe> </li>
<li>Gregg Bell writes an excellent piece on Coach James and the <a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209288852" target="_blank">enduring impact that he has had, and will have, on the UW football program</a>.</li>
<li>Here is a<a href="http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/oct/22/commentary-former-huskies-coach-always-had-presence-to-the-very-end/" target="_blank"> commentary on the Dawgfather from east of the Cascades</a>.</li>
<li>A <a href="http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/10/21/3270556/don-james-timeline.html" target="_blank">handy timeline on the Don James </a>era. The longevity of the Dawgfather is ridiculous, especially when you consider the fact that he left on his own accord following what he saw a betrayal by his administration and the other nine schools of the Pac 10. He literally could have gone another 10 years.</li>
<li>Brock Huard <a href="http://mynorthwest.com/11/2378630/Former-player-Brock-Huard-says-Huskies-feeling-the-loss-of-Don-James" target="_blank">shares some of his own Dawgfather memories</a>.</li>
<li>A couple of more really cool radio reflections on Don James picked up from various radio segments:<br><br><b>Billy Joe Hobert</b><br><iframe src="http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/player/embed.html?autoStart=false&useFullScreen=true&mid=23874591&startButtonColor=0xA33335&share=http%3A//www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-dave-softy-mahler-ondemand-softy/billy-joe-hobert-1022-23874591/&podcastFeed=softy.xml&programName=podcast" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="188" scrolling="no" width="335"></iframe><br><br><b>Keith Gilbertson</b><br><iframe src="http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/player/embed.html?autoStart=false&useFullScreen=true&mid=23874586&startButtonColor=0xA33335&share=http%3A//www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-dave-softy-mahler-ondemand-softy/keith-gilbertson-1022-23874586/&podcastFeed=softy.xml&programName=podcast" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="188" scrolling="no" width="335"></iframe><br><br><b>Dave Hoffman</b><br><iframe src="http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/player/embed.html?autoStart=false&useFullScreen=true&mid=23868692&startButtonColor=0xA33335&share=http%3A//www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-dave-softy-mahler-ondemand-softy/dave-hoffman-1021-23868692/&podcastFeed=softy.xml&programName=podcast" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="188" scrolling="no" width="335"></iframe><br><br><b>Jim Mora</b><br><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2013%2F10%2Fc_brockanddanny102113_9962884.mp3&name=Jim+Mora+says+former+coach+Don+James+was+%5C%27one+tough+sucker%5C%27&show=Brock+and+Danny" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <br><br><b>Warren Moon</b><br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>My prayers to Coach James and his family. Probably the most influential person in my athletic and professional career. I will truly miss him</p>
— Warren Moon (@WMoon1) <a href="https://twitter.com/WMoon1/statuses/392330370978283520">October 21, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br><br><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2013%2F10%2Fc_wymanmikeandmoore102113_9962904.mp3&name=Hall+of+Famer+Warren+Moon+remembers+Don+James&show=Wyman%2C+Mike+and+Moore" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> </li>
</ul>
<h3>Dots</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lots of teeth gnashing going on following the Huskies drubbing by ASU, but, as Anthony pointed out in his tweet the other day, the Huskies continue to look favorable in Football Outsiders F/+ rankings. For those of you unfamiliar, this method of ranking teams focuses on overall efficiency of plays adjusted for strength of opponents and for only "meaningful" football plays (excluding garbage time). The Huskies fell only 3 points from a week ago and remain ranked ahead of teams like Georgia, UCLA and South Carolina. This is a reminder that the poor play of the ASU game does not negate an entire body of work for the season to date as far as an objective scorecard is concerned.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Washington is somehow 17th in S&P+, only dropping 6 spots. Offense 31st, defense 17th</p>
— UW Dawg Pound (@UWSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWSBN/statuses/392731322432512000">October 22, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
</li>
<li>The Husky players and coaches are hearing all of the angst coming from the fanbase and understand that there is a lot of anger. Gregg Bell reports that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209290460">the Huskies are planning to channel that frustration and turn into motivation for a great comeback</a>. Here is a snippet:<br><blockquote>
<p>The Huskies know you are angry.</p>
"Yeah, and it’s not fun for us," defensive coordinator <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134274/justin-wilcox">Justin Wilcox</a> said. "We love our fans; it’s as good a fan base as there is out there. We are fighting like hell. And we are going to continue to do that...</blockquote>
</li>
<li>Since we are bringing up sore subjects, I can't help but to link this blog post at FishDuck - a purely Oregon fan blog. In it, <a href="http://fishduck.com/2013/10/just-how-rare-is-a-decade-of-dominance/" target="_blank">they address the meaning of the "Decade of Dominance" while minimizing the actual importance of all-time record </a>or UW's two national championships. It is not a very entertaining read, but should serve to fire you up for our next rematch in Eugene.</li>
<li>The Seattle PI (yes, they still exist) <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2013/10/22/poll-could-huskies-post-another-dreaded-seven-win-season/" target="_blank">ponder the question as to whether or not this three-game skid is indicative of another seven win season</a> for the Huskies.</li>
<li>Christian Caple <a href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports/2013/10/22/a-look-at-the-losing-streaks/" target="_blank">takes a look at this three-game losing streaks and compares it to the other extended losing streaks </a>that Steve Sarkisian and Co have suffered during his tenure. </li>
<li>Shifting from football, did you know that we are less than two weeks away from a real basketball game? <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9794803/2013-14-college-basketball-preview-washington-huskies" target="_blank">The Huskies are picked 8th in the conference and are previewed extensively by the eminent Kevin Pelton (the creator of WARP) over at ESPN</a>. Reading through it, you almost get the sense that UW may be a darkhorse in his eyes.</li>
<li>The #3 ranked UW Men's Soccer team needed two own-goals to do it, <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/soccer-men/article/2013-10-22/no-3-washington-remains-unbeaten-after-hard-fought-draw-against-n" target="_blank">but they remain unbeaten after drawing against #5 UCLA</a>. This is an exciting run for the Men's team who will travel to SoCal later this week for rematches with San Diego State and UCLA.</li>
<li>The Times has a round up of other non-revenue sports <a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskies/2022103437_regional23xml.html" target="_blank">including news that the new UW baseball park will open on March 21st against the Arizona Wildcats</a>.</li>
<li>The Daily UW<a href="http://dailyuw.com/archive/2013/10/22/football/pac-12-power-rankings-football" target="_blank"> updates their weekly Pac 12 Power Rankings</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Question of the Day</h3>
<p>Now that the worst of the week has passed and the optimism for gameday begins to percolate, what are your honest expectations for Saturday's game?</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from UW Dawg Pound:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/23/4863940/the-good-the-bad-the-unknown-arizona-state?utm_source=uwdawgpound&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The good, the bad & the unknown: Arizona State</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/22/4863564/don-james-steve-sarkisian-and-the-blueprint?utm_source=uwdawgpound&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Don James, Steve Sarkisian and "the Blueprint"</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/22/4864276/uwdp-week-9-pac-12-roundup-and-power-rankings?utm_source=uwdawgpound&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UWDP: Week 9 Pac 12 Roundup and Power Rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/22/4859844/remembering-don-james-part-two?utm_source=uwdawgpound&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Remembering Don James - Part Two</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/21/4864074/the-top-25-and-bcs-rankings-oh-where-art-thou-huskies?utm_source=uwdawgpound&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Top 25 and BCS Rankings: Oh Where Art 'Thou Huskies?</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/23/4962936/dot-dot-dawg-last-goodbye-editionChris Landon2013-10-22T16:00:08-07:002013-10-22T16:00:08-07:00Don James, Steve Sarkisian and "the Blueprint"
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vNmqLGtKO8s1STT7-hhKUEHscEs=/0x409:2691x2203/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21591043/usatsi_2123117.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The most draining weekend in the recent history of Husky athletics is starting to get further and further in the rear view mirror. Let's take a moment to reflect on the gravity of it all and what it means going forward.</p> <blockquote>
<pre>To achieve great things, we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.<br>
-- Anatole France</pre>
</blockquote>
<p>On the heels of the most demoralizing road loss since the last time Steve Sarkisian and his team visited the state of Arizona, Husky fans everywhere are having their patience and the their belief in the direction of the Washington program challenged.</p>
<p>In the aftermath of the passing of the greatest Dawg, the icon of modern day Washington football, Husky fans are also sensitized to the memories of past glories and those days when excellence was less an idealistic end-state then it was the de facto standard.<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/63950/james-passing-darkens-bad-weekend-for-huskies"> Maybe the toughest ever</a>.</p>
<p>As I imagine he would have preferred, the death of Don James affords us all an opportunity to reflect less on what has happened to the program since the injustices of the Pac 10 and NCAA penalties of 1993, but more on what the program had become after the patient and deliberate construction job that James had orchestrated starting in 1975 - two years after I was born. After all, the Huskies were an average football team in the six years prior to his arrival - three of those seasons had the Huskies with losing records, including seasons of just one and two wins. It was a team with no specific identity and an average talent base. While I wouldn't necessarily call that team rudderless, they certainly were not on any kind of trajectory. Enter the Dawgfather.</p>
<p>For James, the son of a blue collar father, building the Huskies back up was a project that involved guts, grit and, most importantly, a blueprint. James did not aspire to install a quick fix and get rich off a few flashy seasons. To him, Washington wasn't some stopover on his career arc where his focus was to get some cheap wins and then move on. His focus was to build something that would endure and stand the test of time. To build something that the community would not only embrace, but would incorporate into their daily lives such that it would become part of their very identity. His blueprint was a process that consisted of the following components:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<li>Start with the character of his players he inherited: take boys and develop them into accountable and mature men. Make them leaders and examples for future players to follow.
<p> </p>
</li>
<li>Next, develop the identity of the the team as a whole: the cornerstones would be toughness, fundamentals, defense, and attention to details.
<p> </p>
</li>
<li>Third, develop a personal network: take your branded product combined with your emerging credibility and parlay that into a network of high school coaches and parents who would want to send their young men into your care.
<p> </p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>That was it, in a nutshell. No extreme offensive philosophies. No promises to players of NFL riches. No fancy uniforms. No snazzy shoe companies. Just an enduring identity shepherded by a credible leader and a decent human being. It was a great formula, but it took years to implement.</p>
<p>In his first four seasons, Don James averaged 6.25 wins against 4.75 losses. That's a 57% winning rate. He went to one bowl game (though, it was a Rose Bowl in a what was otherwise a down year in the Pac). It wasn't until his 5th season that UW exploded onto the scene with a 10 win campaign and a win in the Sun Bowl. That season would kick off a string of 13 bowl seasons in 14 years and a stretch of excellence that would become the glory years of Husky football. The pinnacle of this stretch, of course, was the undefeated national championship season of 1991 - James's 17th season at the helm.</p>
<p>Things haven't been the same since Don James resigned in protest of the Pac 12 and UW President William Gerberding in the summer of 1993. Coaches have come and gone. The foundational elements of Don James's blueprint have faded: the focus on character development has waned, the identity of the program's brand has gotten muddled times over, and the relationships with those who man the pipelines to the talent that Don James took so many years to cultivate have been nuked and nuked again. For the better part of the last two decades, the program has been alternating between states of erosion and fits of total disarray. The blueprint that Don James provided us was shelved, then forgotten and finally lost altogether.</p>
<p>The hiring of Steve Sarkisian five years ago, one season removed from the greatest cluster in the history of our storied university and football program, came with a pledge from the young coach to restore that blueprint and to build things the right way. Many times over, Sark cited the influence of Don James on what he would do as the caretaker of our program. He talked openly about the character of players, about an identity built on toughness and commitment, and the importance of restoring recruiting pipelines. He focused on the process more than the immediate results, though he made the misstep of stating that "it won't take very long".</p>
<p>The results, in fact, have not come as quickly as he thought. In this era of EA Sports and PS3, an inability to take a middling program and get them to national championship contender status within two recruiting cycles is seen as a sign of weakness. The embarrassment of last weekend's ASU game is one that is hard to swallow, especially since every game up to this point felt like one that that the Huskies legitimately competed in. But, is that game, or the events of this three-game skid, emblematic of a failure of the process or are they necessary developmental experiences that must be endured so that they can be internalized and built upon? The truth is, we won't really know until the season is complete and can be evaluated in its totality.</p>
<p>Still, it is hard to not look at the blueprint that Sarkisian has adopted from Don James and say he hasn't followed the plan. The character of our players has unquestionably improved from where it was even a decade ago. One doesn't have to look much further than leaders such as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Price</a>,<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113890/sean-parker" class="sbn-auto-link"> Sean Parker</a>,<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136452/kasen-williams" class="sbn-auto-link"> Kasen Williams</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136457/john-timu">John Timu</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113906/deontae-cooper">Deontae Cooper</a> to see that. The identity of the team has evolved to one that is built on tough running and relentless effort on Defense - even if the talent hasn't yet caught up to the point where our will can be asserted against the competition every single week. Finally, the pipelines to talent have firmed up. Insiders will tell you that Sarkisian and his staff have taken the credibility of the Huskies football program to new heights with both high school coaches and with parents. Combined with our stellar university, UW is a destination school once again - something that hasn't been true since, at best, the Neuheisel years and, at worst, since Don James last roamed the sidelines.</p>
<p>Obviously, this is a results business. But results without a commitment to an enduring plan are usually nothing more than dumb luck. When the process is well-implemented, the results should follow. If the results don't follow, then the plan - and the man who devised it - is fair game for criticism and, if need be, change. But, are we really there right now?</p>
<p>To me, this team is right on the cusp. The results so far this season have been different then years past. The talent levels are increased. The depth is more visible. The toughness on D, at QB and at RB is palpable. The ASU debacle reminds us that it isn't a finished product. But, as the quote that I opened with alludes to, the final step is not just to execute the blueprint, but to believe in it. Only then will the results that we all hope to see- that we all expect to see - materialize.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/22/4863564/don-james-steve-sarkisian-and-the-blueprintChris Landon2013-10-22T05:00:15-07:002013-10-22T05:00:15-07:00Remembering Don James - Part Two
<figure>
<img alt="Coach James" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZZa-GR9VQeXRUlwNPZkOyGukP6U=/0x20:940x647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21477671/don-james-uw-football-11-14-921.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Coach James | Sportspress NW</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As we look back at the career and impact of Don James, we focus in Part Two on his time as head coach at Kent State and Washington and the impact he had at both programs.</p> <p><b>Kent State</b></p>
<p>After a 12-year run as a successful assistant coach with Florida State, Michigan and Colorado, the last 9 of which he was Defensive Coordinator, Don James was given his first opportunity to become a Head Coach when <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Lude">Mike Lude</a> offered him the job at Kent State. James had applied for the job in 1968 and many on the selection committee that time around were again on the committee in 1970 and had a positive impression of him, and James had subsequently gotten to know Lude when both were in Colorado.</p>
<p>It had been a long time since the Golden Flashes had seen much success - in the previous 10 seasons they had produced just one winning season, and had gone <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/mac/kent_state/yearly_totals.php">33-61-3 (.356)</a>. They had never been to a bowl game, nor had they won their conference. And when James took over, the campus was still recovering from the tragic shootings that had taken place seven months prior.</p>
<p>Still, this was a chance for James to run his own program and was a homecoming of sorts for both Don & Carol as it was just 35 miles from their hometown of Massillon, OH. And the roster wasn't completely devoid of talent - he inherited DE/LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LambJa00.htm">Jack Lambert</a>, TE <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Pinkel">Gary Pinkel</a> and DB <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Saban">Nick Saban</a>. James placed a great deal of emphasis on selecting his coaching staff, and he did well in this regard, hiring <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Fitzgerald">Denny Fitzgerald</a> as his Defensive Coordinator, <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Stull">Bob Stull</a> as his Offensive Line coach, <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Hall">Skip Hall</a> as his Freshman Team coach (and later Linebacker coach), <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Dorr">Ray Dorr</a> as his Quarterbacks coach and <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1986-04-02/sports/0210190249_1_kent-state-college-football-coaching-state-university-football">Dick Scesniak</a> as Offensive Coordinator. All but Fitzgerald would end up following James to Washington.</p>
<p>His first season in 1971 opened with a surprising win over North Carolina State, but was otherwise unremarkable as they finished just 3-8. But the seeds of future success were sown, and the following season in 1972 Kent State won their first Mid American Conference championship (and still the only outright such championship for the school). That title earned them their first Bowl Game, a trip to the Tangerine Bowl.</p>
<p>Subsequent seasons saw continued success, though they fell just short of winning the MAC again. In 1973 his team would go 9-2, with the loss to an undefeated Miami, OH team, costing them the conference championship. With far fewer bowls in those days, not winning the MAC meant no bowl. In 1974 his team finished 7-4, including a win over Syracuse.</p>
<p>Across the country in Seattle, longtime Husky coach <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Owens">Jim Owens</a> had announced early in the 1974 season that he would be retiring effective at the end of the season. Owens had become a local legend by rebuilding the Husky program and taking them to two consecutive Rose Bowls following the 1959 & 1960 seasons and winning both, snapping a 6-game losing streak by the PCC/AAWU to the Big Ten, and 12 losses in the prior 13 contests. Both teams finished 10-1, and the 1960 team was selected by the Helms Foundation as that year's National Champions after the Huskies defeated #1 Minnesota in the Rose Bowl (the AP and UPI at the time still selected their champions prior to the bowl games). He would lead the Huskies to another Rose Bowl following the 1963 season where they lost to the Dick Butkus-led Illinois Fighting Illini. As the 1960's came to a close though, Owens struggled to adapt as the sport moved away from one-platoon football, and suffered through a racially-charged season in 1969 that saw them finish just 1-9. The program bounced back as Owens switched from a triple-option offense to a passing offense under the guidance of QB Sonny Sixkiller, but the Huskies were unable to get past Stanford and USC and back to the Rose Bowl. After 18 years as head coach (and 10 years as Athletic Director from 1960-1969) Owens was ready to hang them up, and Washington Athletic Director Joe Kearney started his search for the next Husky coach.</p>
<p>James had been recommended to Kearney by MAC Commissioner Fred Jacoby, but the front-runners for the job were <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Devine">Dan Devine</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_White_%28American_football%29">Mike White</a>. Devine had been a very successful coach with Arizona State and Missouri before moving on to the NFL with Green Bay. Things weren't going so well there and he was on his way out. He was reportedly close to accepting the Washington job, but then was offered the Notre Dame job and he accepted. White was the coach with Cal and was coming off his first winning season, but he decided to stick with the Bears. At that point the search was reportedly down to James and <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl_Rogers">Darryl Rogers</a>. Rogers had the advantage of being a West Coast guy and had coached both Fresno State and San Jose State to some success. Ultimately, the offer went to James and he quickly accepted. He was not exactly a household name in Seattle at that time, and as he recalled in his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/James---Pac-10-Washingtons-Winningest/dp/0934904294/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382317678&sr=1-1&keywords=don+james+virgil+parker&tag=sbnation-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">autobiography</a>, the marquee at Husky Stadium announced "Welcome Coach Jones" after he was hired.</p>
<p><b>Washington</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872401/don-james-470.jpg"><img alt="Don-james-470_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872401/don-james-470_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/files/library/don-james-470.jpg">blog.seattlepi.com</a></p>
<p><br id="1382428580764"></p>
<p>James once again assembled a top-notch staff. He brought coaches Hall, Stull, Dorr & Scesniak with him from his Kent State staff. He called up his old compatriot Mora and lured him away from UCLA to be his Defensive Coordinator - a key hire, as Mora was a strong recruiter, and prying him away from UCLA was a big statement about the respect that James carried in the coaching community already. He also brought on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houstontexans.com/team/coaches/chick-harris/89802498-617e-4dd7-887d-d1ea6392dd1b">Chick Harris </a>to coach Defensive Backs - Harris would go on to have a lengthy career as an assistant in the NFL (he is currently RB coach with the Houston Texans). From Owen's staff, he retained <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Lambright">Jim Lambright</a>, Ray Jackson and Bob Ryan.</p>
<p>The James philosophy was to coach his coaches - they would coach the players, and James would watch from his ubiquitous tower at practices, observing all and providing feedback to his coaches on how he thought they were performing. That's not to say he wasn't involved in gameplanning and developing schemes - he was very much involved in areas he felt strongly about, but he gave latitude to his coaches to bring their own ideas to the table as well. He asked each of his defensive coaches to devise a defensive game plan for the week, and each of his offensive coaches to devise an offensive game plan - he wanted all ideas out there so they could pick the best one.</p>
<p>James instituted a makeover of the jerseys after he arrived, patterning the look in a combination of elements of the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers jerseys and helmets. It was under James that the gold helmets with the familiar block 'W' and triple stripes down the middle were instituted; the jerseys were purple with two white stripes on the sleeves and "collegiate" block numbering; the pants were similar to those used today, with the triple stripe on the helmet used down the side of the legs, with the difference being the "gold" used then was a mustard yellow. While he wasn't much for fiddling with the jerseys, he did listen to player comments and in the late '80's let the team switch to solid color shiny pants with no stripes and introduced the purple pants for the away game sets.</p>
<p>When James was hired, the Pac-8 was dominated by the California schools. USC and UCLA were the class of the conference, Stanford was still pretty good in the wake of recent Rose Bowls at the beginning of the decade and Cal was seemingly on the rise under White. The PNW schools on the other hand were also-rans - both Oregon and Oregon State were bottom-feeders, and WSU was only a half-step above that. The strategy for James was easy to see - dominate the PNW and put a target on the backs of USC & UCLA, both in recruiting and on the field. He told his staff to take a look at the players on those two rosters, and said those are the kinds of players we need to recruit to Washington.</p>
<p>James got off to a good start with recruiting, especially in-state kids. His first class included LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackMi20.htm">Michael Jackson</a>, DB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GlasNe20.htm">Nesby Glasgow</a>, OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ToewJe20.htm">Jeff Toews</a>, OL Roger Westlund and a JC transfer QB named <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Moon">Warren Moon</a> - all key factors in the rise of the program under James. The program wasn't devoid of talent either - players left from Owens included OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PinnRa20.htm">Ray Pinney</a>, RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EarlRo00.htm">Robin Earl</a>, OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BushBl20.htm">Blair Bush</a> and DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowDa23.htm">Dave Browning</a>. And in his first full season on the job, with his second recruiting class he pulled in key players such as top in-state player RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=208223394">Joe Steele</a>, OL Joe Sanford, DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartDo21.htm">Doug Martin</a>, DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MaysSt20.htm">Stafford Mays</a> and DB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeexMa20.htm">Mark Lee</a>.</p>
<p><b>1975:</b></p>
<p>James' first squad got off to a rough start, losing out of conference games to #8 Texas, #7 Alabama and an undefeated, <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Kush">Frank Kush</a>-led Arizona State team that finished #2 in the country. But things picked up over the course of the season, and fans got a glimpse of what James was capable of as the Huskies knocked off #13 UCLA on the road and #13 USC at home, and posted a 5-2 record in the Pac-8 to finish tied for 3rd place, and 6-5 overall. The year also featured some fan grumbling when local product and 2-year starter Chris Rowland was replaced by Moon, especially when Moon struggled with accuracy (completing just 48 of 122 attempts). James refused to bow to fan pressure that almost certainly carried some racial overtones, and that patience would pay off down the road.</p>
<p><b>1976:</b></p>
<p>James' second season was not particularly notable - the Huskies slid backwards to 3-4 in the conference and 5-6 overall, and posted no notable upsets, though they kept intact their unbeaten streak against their PNW rivals under James.</p>
<p><b>1977:</b></p>
<p>After a rough start to his third season - 1-3, with upset losses on the road to Syracuse and Minnesota included - James was feeling the heat from fans and the press. He famously buckled down, put up a cot in his office and got things turned around the next week as they traveled to Eugene and blasted the Ducks 54-0 to turn around the season. They lost one more game that year - to UCLA - but beat #14 USC at home, and when USC then beat UCLA the week after the Apple Cup, it sent the Huskies to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 14 years and gave the 3rd year coach major credibility. When the upstart Huskies the proceeded to upset heavily favored and #4 ranked Michigan in that game 27-20, they grabbed national attention. That season also paid off on the recruiting trail, as players such as QB/WR<a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleAn00.htm"> Anthony Allen</a>, LB Ken Driscoll, S Derek Harvey, CB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/coaches/ray-horton/be7f405a-f814-4b1c-b23b-5b2fa04ecbc1">Ray Horton</a>, DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JenkFl20.htm">Fletcher Jenkins</a>, LB/DL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeruMa20.htm">Mark Jerue</a>, OT Eric Moran, LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StewMa20.htm">Mark Stewart</a>, WR Aaron Williams signed following that season. They would form the backbone of the next great teams under James.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872341/Obit_2520James_2520Football.JPEG-0525c.jpg"><img alt="Obit_2520james_2520football" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872341/Obit_2520James_2520Football.JPEG-0525c_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/Wires/Online/2013-10-21/AP/Images/Obit%20James%20Football.JPEG-0525c.jpg">www.washingtonpost.com</a></p>
<p><b>1978:</b></p>
<p>The Huskies entered the year ranked #11, but dropped a heart-breaker in their opener to #12 UCLA, losing 10-7. It was a year of close-calls, as they also fell just short vs. Bear Bryant and Alabama in Husky Stadium, losing 20-17, as well as a head-scratcher loss to Lee Corso's Indiana. A late-season loss to #5 USC dropped the Huskies into a tie for 2nd place in the Pac-8 at 6-2, with a 7-4 overall mark. It would be another 10 years before a James team would not play in a bowl game.</p>
<p><b>1979:</b></p>
<p>Washington got off to a hot start to the season, winning their first 5 games to rise to #6 in the rankings before losing a tough game in the desert to new conference mates Arizona State, the last game for Kush after his controversial firing (ironically stemming from an incident the prior year vs. Washington where he allegedly punched his punter in the mouth). That game was soon forfeited due to ASU's use of an ineligible player, but the Huskies lost again the next week vs. #17 Pittsburgh. Still, the Huskies were in the Rose Bowl race, but a late-season loss to #4 USC 24-17 relegated them to 5-2 in the conference and 9-2, but earned them a berth in the Sun Bowl to take on #11 Texas. The Huskies used a ferocious defense and just enough running game to win 14-7 and the Huskies finished #11 on the year. It also helped James land a recruiting class ranked #11 by one service, including standouts such as DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GarnSc20.htm">Scott Garnett</a>, WR <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeDa23.htm">Danny Greene</a>, DB Jim Rodgers and QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PellSt00.htm">Steve Pelluer</a>.</p>
<p><b>1980:</b></p>
<p>The year began as expected, with blowout wins over Air Force and Northwestern. Then something unexpected happened - the 13th ranked Huskies lost big to Oregon, in Husky Stadium no less. This was the first loss by a James team to any of the PNW rivals, a streak that had reached 15 games. They rallied to win their next three before another baffling home loss - this time to Navy - but rebounded strongly to win their last 4, including a huge win in the Coliseum over #2 USC, which meant the win the following week in the Apple Cup would clinch James' second Rose Bowl. As before, the Huskies were underdogs to Michigan, but this time they were unable to pull off the upset and finished the season 9-3 and ranked #16. James signed a class ranked as high as #7 overall by Blue Chip magazine, including top players such as LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmalFr20.htm">Fred Small</a>, DL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HolmRo21.htm">Ron Holmes</a>, TE Tony Wroten, LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MeamTi20.htm">Tim Meamber</a> and RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiJa21.htm">Jacque Robinson</a>.</p>
<p><b>1981:</b></p>
<p>Despite some uncertainty at QB after the graduation of Tom Flick, the Huskies entered the season ranked #17 and won their first three games before losing badly at home to Arizona State (26-7) and falling out of the rankings. They rebounded to win their next four and climb back up to #16, but then dropped their 2nd conference game of the year to UCLA, getting blanked for the first time under James as they lost 31-0. But they got up off the mat and shocked #3 USC at home 13-3 in a <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124999/index.htm">memorably wet and windy day</a> at Husky Stadium, setting up a rarity for an Apple Cup - one that would help decide the Pac-10 champion. The Cougars needed only to win to claim their first Rose Bowl since <i>1916</i>, while the Huskies needed to win and for USC to knock off UCLA. And that's exactly what happened, sending the Huskies back to the Rose Bowl in back to back years, something they had previously done only once before back in the heyday of Jim Owens. And they were fantastic as they blanked Hayden Fry's Iowa team 28-0 to finish #10 in the final rankings with a 10-2 record, with Fr. RB Jacque Robinson winning the Rose Bowl MVP award.</p>
<p><b>1982:</b></p>
<p>With much of their 1981 Rose Bowl team returning, this edition of the Huskies was probably the most talented squad James had yet fielded and entered the season with a ton of hype, ranked #2 in the pre-season polls, and they quickly ascended to #1 by their 2nd game, and they won their first 7 games. A close shave against Texas Tech however had dropped them back to #2, and then a loss in Palo Alto to John Elway and Stanford dropped the Huskies from the unbeaten ranks. It didn't help that James had to contend with intense speculation that he might replace the recently fired <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Patera">Jack Patera</a> to coach the Seahawks - it was a distraction he would have preferred to not deal with. They rallied with wins the following weeks at home vs. #9 UCLA and then on the road at #3 ASU to put themselves back in the driver's seat for a 3rd consecutive conference title and Rose Bowl berth, but instead the unthinkable happened - in the first Apple Cup played in Pullman in 28 years, Chuck Nelson missed for the first time all season on a FG attempt that would have given the Huskies the lead, and they would end up losing 24-20 as the Cougars got their revenge for the prior year, sending Washington instead to the inaugural Aloha Bowl where they'd win in a shootout vs. the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EsiaBo00.htm">Boomer Esiason</a> led Maryland Terrapins 21-20 to finish #7 at 10-2. And it would lead to another stellar recruiting class including QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChanCh00.htm">Chris Chandler</a>, FB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FennRi00.htm">Rick Fenney</a>, OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GogaKe00.htm">Kevin Gogan</a>, DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HabiBr20.htm">Brian Habib</a> and WR <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillLo00.htm">Lonzell Hill</a>.</p>
<p><b>1983:</b></p>
<p>A rebuilding year for James as he lost 34 seniors, including 18 starters. Still, things started well including a thrilling 25-24 win over Michigan in Husky Stadium as they rode the arm of Sr. QB Steve Pelluer, but they were whupped the next week in Death Valley, falling to LSU 40-14 in one of the most lopsided defeats of his Husky career. They rebounded to win their next 4 before falling to UCLA, and despite two more conference wins, the Bruins clinched a Rose Bowl berth during a bye week for Washington; perhaps that let-down contributed to another Apple Cup loss, this time at home. That sent the Huskies back to the Aloha Bowl, where they fell 13-10 to Penn State and Joe Paterno (the only time James & Paterno would face each other). The Huskies finished 8-4 and out of the rankings, but they did pull in another highly regarded recruiting class that ranked in the top-10 in most polls. Notable signees included RB Aaron Jenkins, OL Brett Wiese, LB David Rill, WR Brian Slater, RB Vince Weathersby and OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZandMi20.htm">Mike Zandofsky</a>.</p>
<p><b>1984:</b></p>
<p>Expectations were cautiously optimistic heading into the season as the Huskies ranked #18 in the pre-season polls. A salty and experienced defense led by DT Ron Holmes, S Jim Rodgers and LB Tim Meamber proved to be his finest yet as they feasted on turnovers, posting a remarkable 51 total on the season. With a strong kicking game, a steady run game and just enough passing, the Huskies marched through the season racking up wins, including an early statement game by beating #3 Michigan in the Big House 20-11. By their 7th game they had ascended to #1 in the polls where they stayed until a game 10 loss to #14 USC in the Coliseum. While that loss ended up knocking the Huskies out of the Rose Bowl, a win the following week in the Apple Cup left the Huskies 10-1 and ranked #4 which was good enough to earn them an invitation to the Orange Bowl to face #2 Oklahoma. James worked his bowl game magic, coming up with a trap blocking scheme on offense to spring the ground game to 192 yards against the nation's leading run defense, and devising a 2-5 personnel package on defense to deal with the Sooners' triple-option running attack as they won 28-17 to lay their claim to the National Championship, but instead the voters rewarded a 13-0 BYU team that had played a weak schedule "highlighted" by a 24-17 Holiday Bowl win over a 6-5 Michigan team that the Huskies had taken down earlier in the season. Sr. RB Jacque Robinson made history by becoming the first (and only) player to win the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl MVP awards. It was a banner New Year's day for the Pac-10 as UCLA won the Fiesta Bowl, USC won the Rose Bowl and Washington capped it off that night with their Orange Bowl victory.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872335/GWUSSNFCYECCHJA.20131018224623.jpg"><img alt="Gwussnfcyecchja" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872335/GWUSSNFCYECCHJA.20131018224623_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/pics33/800/GW/GWUSSNFCYECCHJA.20131018224623.jpg">www.gohuskies.com</a></p>
<p><br id="1382426181836"></p>
<p><b>1985:</b></p>
<p>Washington had built up considerable national credibility by this point, and despite significant losses to graduation, entered the season ranked #12. But they dropped their first two games, to #16 Oklahoma State (featuring RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomTh00.htm">Thurman Thomas</a>) and then a showdown of sorts with Brigham Young. They rebounded to win their next 4, including a big win over #13 UCLA, but then suffered one of the biggest upsets in college football history (in terms of betting lines at least) when they fell to Oregon State 21-20, the only time James would drop a game against the Beavers. Losses to Arizona State and WSU would leave the Huskies 4th in the conference, the first time since 1976 they had finished below a tie for 2nd place. Their 6-5 record however was just good enough to earn an invite to the 2nd ever Freedom Bowl where they beat Colorado. James signed another impressive recruiting class that ranked in the top-10, including guys like DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowDe23.htm">Dennis Brown</a>, QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConkCa00.htm">Cary Conklin</a>, OL/DL Dean Kirkland and LB/DE Travis Richardson.</p>
<p><b>1986:</b></p>
<p>This was another big, physical, talented team with a lot of experience, and they entered the season ranked #16. They had as impressive a start to a season as any Husky team, blowing out #10 Ohio State 40-7 and whipping #11 Brigham Young 52-21. But a 20-10 loss the following week to USC brought them back to earth. They reeled off 4 more wins in a row to climb to #6 in the polls, but were run over by the strong ground game of Arizona State 34-21 to fall out of Rose Bowl contention and then settled for a tie with #19 UCLA before whipping WSU in the Apple Cup to earn a date with #13 Alabama in the Sun Bowl. There, the Crimson Tide and OLB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BennCo00.htm">Cornelius Bennett</a> overwhelmed the big Huskies with tremendous speed throughout their lineup and notched a decisive 28-6 win and the Huskies finished a disappointing 8-3-1. This was to be a turning point for James, as he realized he needed to revamp his recruiting strategy - too many of his players were not as fast as he had been led to believe, and he instituted a new emphasis on speed and athleticism; big was good, but fast was better.</p>
<p><b>1987:</b></p>
<p>The year began with the first serious Heisman Trophy campaign by the program as they promoted Sr. QB Chris Chandler as a candidate. Things started off reasonably well with wins over Stanford & Purdue, but a decisive loss at Texas A&M showed vulnerability in the team, and two weeks later James suffered only his 2nd loss to Oregon. The Huskies rallied the next week to take down #13 ASU in Husky Stadium, but they fell to USC the following week to kill their Rose Bowl hopes. A tie with Arizona and a blowout loss to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AikmTr00.htm">Troy Aikman</a>-led Bruins left the Huskies just 4-3-1 in conference. They earned an invite to the Independence Bowl where they beat Tulane 24-12 to finish 7-4-1 and unranked. While the season was not up to recent standards, this was the first of a series of recruiting classes that would lead to the pinnacle of James' tenure at Washington, as they signed guys like WR Mario Bailey, CB Walter Bailey, QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrunMa00.htm">Mark Brunell</a>, OL <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KennLi00.htm">Lincoln Kennedy</a>, LB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HoffDa20.htm">Dave Hoffman</a>, WR Orlando McKay, LB James Clifford, and some guy out of Cheney, WA named <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EmtmSt20.htm">Steve Emtman</a>.</p>
<p><b>1988:</b></p>
<p>It was a tough year for the Dawgs as they went 6-5 and saw their 9-year bowl streak ended. There was a lot of grumbling from boosters and criticism in the media as folks noted the win trend going in the wrong direction, from 11-7-8-7-6. Some folks wondered if the game was passing James by and if he could halt the slide in the program. But a closer look reveals a season of near misses - they fell 24-17 to the #2 Aikman Bruins, 28-27 to the #3 Trojans, had 3-point losses to Oregon and Arizona and a 1 point loss in Pullman (this was to the be 2nd and last time James would lose 2 games in a season to his 3 PNW rivals). It did lead to a significant staff change as OL coach Dan Dorazio was pushed aside and Idaho Head Coach Keith Gilberston was brought on board to coach the OL and introduce the Dennis Erickson-derived 1-back offense to the Huskies to replace the I-formation offense James had long favored. They also continued to infuse the roster with talent that would pay off down the road, signing stars such as RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaBe20.htm">Beno Bryant</a>, DT <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FarrDM20.htm">D'Marco Farr</a>, QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HobeBi00.htm">Billy Joe Hobert</a>, LB Andy Mason, DB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PahuSh20.htm">Shane Pahukoa</a> and DB Tommie Smith.</p>
<p><b>1989:</b></p>
<p>The grumbling in Seattle intensified early in the season as James suffered his first 3-game losing streak since the 1976 season, dropping his Huskies to 2-3 for the first time ever. The 3rd of those losses - 24-16 to USC - had led James to begin rethinking his defensive strategies. While the Huskies recovered to win 3 straight to get to 5-3, they then dropped their 4th game of the year as they couldn't stop ASU, surrendering 493 yards that day as they lost 34-32 and wasting a big day from the Husky offense. That was the last straw for James, and he gave the green light to Jim Lambright to switch the defense that week to a variation on the <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Ryan">Buddy Ryan</a> '46' defense that had propelled the 1985 Bears to a 15-1 season and a dominating Super Bowl victory. It was an attacking, aggressive defense that left the corners in man coverage with a single safety deep to bring 8 defenders in the box to control the run game and to fire off a variety of blitzes to overwhelm opposing QB's. It was an immediate success as the Huskies crushed Oregon State that week 51-14, then held a potent WSU offense to 9 points in a 20-9 win. The 7-4 Huskies were selected to play Florida, featuring RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitEm00.htm">Emmitt Smith</a> in the Freedom Bowl, and the new attacking Husky defense dominated, holding Smith to just 17 yards on 7 carries as the Huskies romped, 34-7.</p>
<p><b>1990:</b></p>
<p>With new approaches on both offense and defense and a roster beginning to see the benefits of the revised recruiting strategy following the 1986 season, the Huskies entered 1990 with momentum, ranked #20. Close wins over San Jose State and Purdue to start the season tempered expectations, but then things clicked in the 3rd game when the #5 ranked Trojans came to town. The new defense overwhelmed USC, leading QB Todd Marinovich to mutter after the game "All I saw was purple, no jerseys, no numbers — just purple." But the following week the Huskies dropped a tough game to a terrific Colorado team which had whipped the Huskies the previous year in the emotional aftermath of the death of popular QB Sal Aunese to cancer. The Buffs would go on to claim a share of the National Championship in 1990. The Huskies then righted themselves, reeling off 5 straight wins capped with a 54-10 demolition of #23 Arizona that clinched the program's first Rose Bowl in 9 years. It also propelled them to #2 in the polls, and the possibility of a National Championship seemed very real, but a stunning home loss to UCLA dashed those hopes. The Huskies rebounded to blow out WSU 55-10 and headed to Pasadena, where they rolled over Iowa 46-34 to finish 10-2 and ranked #5 in the country. Sr. RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LewiGr00.htm">Greg Lewis</a> won the inaugural Doak Walker award given to the nation's finest running back, and a dominating defense had emerged led by So. DT Steve Emtman. The big year paid off on the recruiting trail as the Huskies signed their highest ranked recruiting class under James, including stars such as TE <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrueMa00.htm">Mark Bruener</a>, DT Steve Hoffman, QB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HuarDa00.htm">Damon Huard</a>, RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaufNa00.htm">Napoleon Kaufman</a> and DB Reggie Reser. The class also featured stalwarts like TE <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConwEr00.htm">Ernie Conwell</a> and FB Richard Thomas.</p>
<p><b>1991:</b></p>
<p>The Huskies headed into the off-season with big dreams - after flirting with a possible National Championship the year before and then losing to UCLA to dash those hopes, team leaders used that as motivation to bring their best effort at all times. With most of that 1990 team returning, hopes were running high in Montlake. But then Jr. QB Mark Brunell went down in Spring Practice with a major knee injury, and those hopes appeared in jeopardy, though they still entered the season ranked #4. But the defense picked up where they left off in 1990, and Gilbertson's 1-back offense fully gelled in the hands of a dominant OL, great receivers, dynamic running backs and a cocky gun-slinger of a QB in So. Billy Joe Hobert. The Huskies rolled over Stanford 42-7 in their opener, then traveled to Lincoln, NE for a key showdown with the mighty Cornhuskers, ranked #9. When they fell behind 21-9 late in the 3rd quarter, things looked bleak, but the Huskies then took over the game, scoring on their next 4 possessions to win going away, 36-21 and in the process rolled up 335 rushing yards and 618 total yards on the vaunted Blackshirt defense. That win cemented the belief within the team that they could go undefeated and they rolled through their next 3 opponents 158-3. They faced their next major challenge in Berkeley, CA where they took on the undefeated and #7 ranked Bears, and it was a see-saw battle that saw the Huskies finally emerge with a tough, 24-17 win in what would be the closest game of the season. The Huskies had another close call in Los Angeles, emerging 14-3 over USC before whipping Oregon State and WSU to end the regular season. The Huskies had only managed to climb to #2 in the rankings as Florida State and Miami had claimed the top two spots all year before the Hurricanes beat the Seminoles to knock them out of the Title race. The Huskies dominated #4 Michigan in the Rose Bowl 34-14 and then watched as Miami shut out Nebraska later that night in the Orange Bowl 22-0. In the closest vote yet up to that point, the Huskies fell just short of Miami in the AP poll, 32 votes to 28, while in the USA Today/CNN Coaches Poll the Huskies prevailed 33.5 to 25.5 to claim a share of the Title that year. Steve Emtman would win both the Outland and Lombardi Awards and finish 4th in the Heisman Trophy voting (the highest finish of any Husky), and after declaring for the NFL draft as RS-Jr, he would be selected #1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts, the only Husky ever selected 1st overall in the NFL draft.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872329/IKNRRVROITXXPRO.20131018224623.jpg"><img alt="Iknrrvroitxxpro" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1872329/IKNRRVROITXXPRO.20131018224623_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/pics33/800/IK/IKNRRVROITXXPRO.20131018224623.jpg">www.gohuskies.com</a></p>
<p><br id="1382426138863"></p>
<p><b>1992:</b></p>
<p>Despite significant losses to graduation and the NFL draft and offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson to Cal to become head coach, the 1992 Huskies returned enough talent to enter the season ranked #2. They hosted #12 Nebraska in their 3rd game in what was the first night game in Husky Stadium history and the defense dominated as the Huskies rolled 29-14. The win propelled the Huskies to the top spot in the polls and they held off challenges from #20 USC (17-10), #24 Cal (35-16) and #15 Stanford (41-7). But scandal hit as the Seattle Times published a series of stories documenting loans to QB Billy Joe Hobert that appeared to render him ineligible, and they fell to #12 Arizona in the desert to end a 22-game winning streak (the 2nd longest in Husky history) and damage Washington's hopes to repeat as National Champions. They rallied to beat Oregon State and clinch their 3rd straight Rose Bowl, but fell again in Pullman in the infamous "Snow Bowl" to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BledDr00.htm">Drew Bledsoe</a> and the Cougars. In a rematch with Michigan, the Huskies couldn't contain RB <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaTy00.htm">Tyrone Wheatley</a> and failed in their bid to become the first team to win 3 straight Rose Bowls. The Huskies finished 10-2 and ranked #11 in the country, but a storm was brewing as further investigative reports by the Seattle Times and L.A. Times revealed allegations of improper summer jobs programs and prompted an investigation by the Pac-10 Conference.</p>
<p>That investigation led to severe sanctions against the program, as chronicled in <a target="_blank" href="http://4malamute.com/tabloid.html">this excellent summary</a> by Richard Linde, aka 'Malamute'; the most severe of which was the limit in scholarships to 15 per year for the 1994 and 1995 recruiting classes. In addition, the Conference weighed two options for additional significant penalties: a 1-year bowl ban and 2-year TV ban, or a 2-year bowl ban and 1-year TV ban. James was upset at the severity of the penalties suggested, but was willing to live with the 1-year bowl ban and 2-year TV ban (the Athletic Department had built up a significant financial surplus at that point). AD Barbara Hedges assured James that the school would lobby for that option, and James warned her that a 2-year bowl ban would result in his resignation. But instead of fighting for James and the players, the school's representatives in fact argued in favor of a 2-year bowl ban, and James - feeling betrayed - followed through on his promise and resigned the next day.</p>
<p>This was a dark day in Husky football history. Some believed at the time (and continued to believe) that James was a "quitter" and decried his decision; most others saw it for what it was, a principled stand by a principled man. Remember, James himself and his coaching staff were absolved of any wrongdoing by the investigation. What few knew at the time was the extent to which James was actively betrayed by school President William Gerberding. For the entire sordid story, see<a target="_blank" href="http://thehuskyhaul.com/2011/12/09/the-betrayal-don-james/"> this excellent summary</a> at the Husky Haul. By resigning when he did - less than two weeks before the start of the 1993 season - James assured that his Assistant Head Coach, longtime Defensive Coordinator and lifelong Husky Jim Lambright would take over.</p>
<p>In Part Three, we'll further examine the impact James had at Washington and his legacy here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4858828/remembering-don-james-part-one">Part One</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4859594/don-james-passes-away">Condolences</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4860628/dot-dot-dawgfather">Links</a></p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/22/4859844/remembering-don-james-part-twoKirk DeGrasse2013-10-20T20:43:25-07:002013-10-20T20:43:25-07:00Dot...Dot...Dawgfather
<figure>
<img alt="Don James 1932-2013" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fwkK8pqyB2BB3lWjxZ2o7n8g8Rw=/60x13:498x305/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21488461/don_james_1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Don James 1932-2013 | KOMO News Video Screen Capture</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Remembering Don James - thoughts and notes from around the Web.</p> <pre>Words of this nature have never come easy. However, it strikes me that the measure of life isn't defined by the rings that were worn, the plaudits that were garnered or the dots that were collected. It is measured in units of inspiration that one cultivates and leaves for the rest of us to borrow. No great thing was ever achieved without the seed of motivation sown by those who passed before us. In this way, the greatest among us never fade.</pre>
<p>The passing of Don James has left a void in the hearts of any who have known him as well as those that looked to him for inspiration in whatever way he touched them. The cyberworld has exploded with words and thoughts in memoriam. These Dots are dedicated to the family and friends of Don James.</p>
<ul>
<li>Here is the<a target="_blank" href="http://www.gohuskies.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209288361&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter"> full text from the University announcing the passing of Coach James</a>.</li>
<br><li>GoHuskies <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209286417">has a site dedicated to Coach James's memory</a>.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DawgFather&src=hash">#DawgFather</a> <a href="http://t.co/RBfGocRZsm">pic.twitter.com/RBfGocRZsm</a></p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> (@UWAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWAthletics/statuses/392034870441938944">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>They've also <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gohuskies.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?PALBID=1031653&DB_OEM_ID=30200">posted a comprehensive photo gallery</a> if you'd like to see some classic pictures.</li>
<br><li>Nice words from Tui:<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>RIP Coach James. My prayers are with your family. Thank you for always giving me time no matter where we were. Your legacy lives on!</p>
— Marques Tuiasosopo (@therealTUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/therealTUI/statuses/392058728121249792">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>Brock Huard:<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Never, ever forget how 1 life can impact so many. Coach James, you will never be forgotten, & your legacy lives on in the lives you changed</p>
— Brock Huard (@BrockESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrockESPN/statuses/392041000060743680">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>Jim Caple of ESPN wrote a nice piece <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9856643/remembering-don-james-took-washington-huskies-six-rose-bowls">emphasizing what made Don James the coach, and the man, that the college football world both respected and adored</a>.<br>
</li>
<br><li>Gregg Bell tweeted on the subject of Coach James and his inspiring of the current football team.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>When Don James last talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/UW_Football">@UW_Football</a> in August he told players to make Boise St respect them. Then <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UDUB&src=hash">#UDUB</a> beat BSU by 32. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23inspiration&src=hash">#inspiration</a></p>
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) <a href="https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/statuses/392051149995384832">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>The Pac 12 Network posted this video in remembrance - a nice piece no matter what you think of the commentators.<br><script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=JxeXk0Zzrkz4j-DeUEsZ35ZmfWtAFQXl&playerBrandingId=88290922e1bd439e9c78d992872b3dd3&width=719&deepLinkEmbedCode=JxeXk0Zzrkz4j-DeUEsZ35ZmfWtAFQXl&height=404"></script>
</li>
<br><li>The Seattle Times has all kind of content related to the life and times of Don James. I was happy to see <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2022091330_newnhamcolumnxml.html">Blain Newnham come out of retirement to share his thoughts on Coach</a>.</li>
<br><li>Bob Condotta tweeted a funny moment he enjoyed with Coach James.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I last talked to James in August for a story I was doing. He told me he'd just celebrated his 61st wedding anniversary.</p>
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) <a href="https://twitter.com/bcondotta/statuses/392034171498934272">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>He then joked that 'they said it would never last.' Thoughts today are with his family.</p>
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) <a href="https://twitter.com/bcondotta/statuses/392034378928242688">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li> <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.com/html/budwithers/2022091324_withersjamesxml.html">Bud Withers had his own thoughts to share with a few of his memories</a>.</li>
<br><li>Bill Schwartz <a target="_blank" href="http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/10/20/remembering-the-dawgfather/">has a few interesting anecdotes from his time covering the Huskies</a>.<br>
</li>
<br><li>Tony Parrish pulling a little Dawgfather memorabilia out.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>A Hero Falls But the Legend Lives. R.I.P. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DonJames&src=hash">#DonJames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Dawgfather&src=hash">#Dawgfather</a> <a href="http://t.co/BnFTErQFWk">pic.twitter.com/BnFTErQFWk</a></p>
— Tony Parrish (@TheTonyParrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTonyParrish/statuses/392105113075978240">October 21, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>Here is an older article that<a target="_blank" href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/if_not_for_don_james_nick_saba.html"> documents the influence that Don James had over one of his (now) most famous players, Nick Saban</a>, and how he inspired him to be a college football coach. <a target="_blank" href="http://mynorthwest.com/category/uw_blog/">Saban was also quoted in this summary article</a>:<br><blockquote>"He was a special man and meant the world to me," Saban said Sunday night. "There aren't enough words to describe not only the great coach he was, but how much he cared for people and the positive impact he made in the lives of everyone he came in contact with.</blockquote>
<br>
</li>
<br><li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/20/4565609/pinkels-mentor-don-james-passed.html">Gary Pinkel also released a statement</a> regarding the passing of his mentor:<br><blockquote>He was my coach, my mentor, my friend, and he had such an amazing influence on my life, both personally and professionally. The program we built at Toledo and here at Missouri is Don James’ program, it’s a tribute to how he developed men and built football teams.</blockquote>
</li>
<br><li> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113890/sean-parker">Sean Parker</a> gets it.<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>RIP Don James. Husky legend and coach! Prayers go out to all his loved ones. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DawgFather&src=hash">#DawgFather</a></p>
— Big Play SP (@AllHailSpeezy1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllHailSpeezy1/statuses/392085258985676800">October 21, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>Mark Brunell, who was on hand to open up Husky Stadium in August, tweets:<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>So sad to hear of the passing of Don James. Thank you Coach for bringing me to UW and making such an impact on my life.I am forever grateful</p>
— Mark Brunell (@M_Brunell8) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Brunell8/statuses/392054195597369344">October 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>Rich Brooks, the former Oregon coach and good friend to Don James, tweeted his thoughts:<br><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>A very sad day with the passing of Coach Don James. Great coach and man. He will be missed. The Huskies have not been the same.</p>
— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKcoachbrooks/statuses/392118596123365376">October 21, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</li>
<br><li>The Dawgfather is trending in Seattle.<br><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3426775/Dawgfather_Trending.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dawgfather_trending_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3426775/Dawgfather_Trending_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1382323723264">
</li>
</ul>
<p>These are just a sampling of all the things buzzing around the web concerning Don James on this most difficult day. Obviously, there will be more and we'll be here to dot it for you.</p>
<h3>Question of the Day</h3>
<p>No question today. If you'd like to check in with your condolences, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4859594/don-james-passes-away">visit our open thread.</a> If you have any anecdotes you'd like to share, please do. It's good to have a forum like this to record and memorialize all of those little moments that weren't covered by KFAN or The Seattle Times but are part of the fabric of the life lived.</p>
<p>Peace. Go Dawgs.</p>
<ul></ul>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4860628/dot-dot-dawgfatherChris Landon2013-10-20T14:56:16-07:002013-10-20T14:56:16-07:00Remembering Don James - Part One
<figure>
<img alt="Coach James" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O2mS6ZY-N_AvELdFYdkfybRs9So=/0x60:358x299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21476123/coaches-james.0.png" />
<figcaption>Coach James</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the passing today of legendary coach Don James, we take a look back at his life and career and the tremendous impact he had on Washington Husky football. In the first of a series of posts, we look back at his early years and his entry into coaching.</p> <p>Husky Nation is in mourning today with the sad news that legendary coach Don James has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. James is survived by Carol, his wife of 61 years, son Jeff, daughters Jill and Jeni and ten grandchildren.</p>
<p>We will have a series of posts today and in the coming week looking back at Coach James and the enormous legacy he leaves behind. First, we'll take a look at his childhood, his playing career and his early years as an assistant coach.</p>
<p>-------------------------</p>
<p><b>Early Years</b></p>
<p>Don James was born on New Year's Eve of 1932 in the depths of the Great Depression. He was the fourth of five children - all boys - born to Thomas and Florence James. His father was a tireless worker, working two 8-hour jobs a day to make ends meet. Unable to complete his own education, he and Florence imparted a strong emphasis on academics on their children.</p>
<p>Growing up in the football hotbed of Massillon, OH, all four of the boys (the 2nd oldest died tragically before Don was born) played football with some level of success. Oldest brother <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JameTo00.htm">Tommy</a> played for legendary coach Paul Brown as Massillon High, then Ohio State, and eventually again in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. Older brother Art and younger brother John played small college football at Heidelberg College in Ohio.</p>
<p>James was a good athlete, participating in baseball and track in addition to football. Despite his modest stature - he was 5'9" - he earned the starting QB job as a Senior at Massillon and led the team to the state championship.</p>
<p>Don met Carol when both were just 14. After Carol had been accepted to the University of Miami (FL), it appeared they might be separated, but he was then offered a 1-year scholarship to Miami by Bob Brietenstein, an assistant for Head Coach Art Gustafson and a former H.S. coach with Shaker Heights, OH. They were married August 19th, 1952 following their sophomore year.</p>
<p>James played well enough at Miami to extend that one-year scholarship through four years, and by his Junior year he had won the starting QB job. It was a different era then where the running game was king, and so while his numbers might look quaint in today's game, he set a number of school records that weren't broken until Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinnie Testeverde and Steve Walsh came along.</p>
<p>Upon graduation, and with no serious NFL prospects in the offering, James fulfilled his two year military obligation. After being discharged, he was offered a position at Kansas as a graduate assistant coach under Chuck Mather.</p>
<p>-------------------------</p>
<p><b>Early Coaching Career</b></p>
<p>James completed his graduate studies in just one year at Kansas. While there, he was officially in charge of the Freshman team offensive backs, but often ran the whole team while the assistant in charge of the team was off working on scouting for the varsity.</p>
<p>With his Master's degree in education in hand, James applied for a job with New Mexico but was not selected, and ended up back in Miami as an assistant coach at Southwest High School for two seasons. Then, via his connections with his former coach Brietenstein, he got an interview with Perry Moss at Florida State and was hired to his staff. Moss left after one year, and Bill Peterson came over from LSU. Under Peterson, James was moved to the defensive staff where he worked under Defensive Coordinator Ken Meyer (later a QB coach with the Seahawks).</p>
<p>James developed much of his coaching philosophy at this time. <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_Bryant">Paul 'Bear' Bryant</a> was already a giant in the game and his coaching approach permeated the South. James cited the Bear's philosophy of hard-nosed, aggressive play combined with great speed and quickness, and of course his off-season training regimen was renowned. James also absorbed the approaches of <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Neyland">"General" Bob Neyland</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Dodd">Bobby Dodd</a> who emphasized great defense and a sound kicking game. And via Peterson, he was introduced to the program development philosophies of <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Dietzel">Paul Dietzel</a>. Highly detailed and organized, it featured a year-round plan for every player, every coach and every element of the football program. This was to stick with James for the rest of his career and was a defining element of his approach as a head coach. It's also worth noting that fellow Hall-of-Fame coach <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Bowden">Bobby Bowden</a> served on Peterson's staff during this time as a WR coach.</p>
<p>James was in charge of defensive backs under Peterson, and after two years also assumed the Defensive Coordinator duties. His squads were notoriously tough, and in his four years as DC at Florida State they posted 13 shutouts, three others with just a field goal allowed and 14 more with just one touchdown allowed. His success with the Seminoles got him noticed around the country, and eventually an offer in 1966 from Michigan and coach <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bump_Elliott">Bump Elliott</a> to become their new Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach.</p>
<p>However the situation at Michigan under Elliott was somewhat tenuous - with Athletic Director Fritz Crisler set to retire, Elliott's status was uncertain, and after two seasons at Michigan, James was eying a change due to that uncertainty. He interviewed with <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_hayes">Woody Hayes</a> at Ohio State, but decided that it was not a good fit in terms of personality. Hayes put in a good word for James with <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Crowder">Eddie Crowder </a>at Colorado, and James accepted the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach position there in 1968. It was a good run for James there as Colorado played in two bowl games and were building up to a #3 finish in the country (behind Big Eight rivals Nebraska and Oklahoma), and it's where he made his connection with <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_E._Mora">Jim E. Mora</a>. And ultimately, it was his last step before getting his first chance as a head coach.</p>
<p>We'll pick it up from here in Part Two.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4858828/remembering-don-james-part-oneKirk DeGrasse2013-10-20T14:28:38-07:002013-10-20T14:28:38-07:00Don James: Condolences and Memories Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/--xoYdlC1bDpkMUjcvnQeXyBLOM=/0x357:2699x2156/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21475225/usatsi_2123117.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sad news today as the University of Washington has officially announced the passing of legendary coach Don James. We will follow up with a look back at his life and career and his enormous impact at Washington, but for now we'll open up the blog for your thoughts, remembrances and condolences.</p> <p>Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Coach Don James today on the sad news<a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=209288361" target="_blank"> that he has passed away</a>. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Carol, and his three children: Jeff, Jill and Jeni. Please use this thread to mark your own remembrances of him and your condolences to his loved ones. He had a huge impact on this community, and he will be missed greatly.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/10/20/4859594/don-james-passes-awayKirk DeGrasse