Dick MacPherson was born on April 4, 1930, in Old Town, Maine. He grew up in a small town where football was a way of life. From a young age, he showed a talent for the sport and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful coaches in college football history.
MacPherson attended Springfield College, where he played center and linebacker. It was here that he honed his skills and developed a love for the game that would fuel his coaching career. After graduating, he embarked on a coaching journey that would take him to the highest levels of the sport.
In 1981, MacPherson was named head coach of the Syracuse Orange football team. He inherited a struggling program but quickly turned things around. Under his leadership, the Orange became a powerhouse in college football, culminating in an undefeated season in 1987. MacPherson's innovative coaching style and dedication to his players earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
MacPherson was born and raised in Old Town, Maine, where he was a standout athlete in high school. He attended Springfield College, where he played football and earned a degree in physical education. It was during his time at Springfield that he discovered his passion for coaching and began to pursue a career in the field.
After graduating, MacPherson took on coaching roles at various schools, including assistant coaching positions at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Maryland. His success in these roles caught the attention of Syracuse University, and in 1981, he was named head coach of the Orange football team.
MacPherson's tenure at Syracuse was marked by success and innovation. He revolutionized the team's offense, implementing a high-powered passing game that caught opponents off guard. Under his leadership, the Orange became known for their explosive offense and tenacious defense.
In 1987, MacPherson led Syracuse to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. He was named National Coach of the Year and left a lasting impact on the Syracuse football program.
After his time at Syracuse, MacPherson went on to coach in the NFL as the head coach of the New England Patriots. Although his tenure with the Patriots was not as successful as his time at Syracuse, he brought the same passion and dedication to the team.
Throughout his career, MacPherson was known for his commitment to his players and his innovative coaching style. He inspired countless athletes to reach their full potential and left a lasting impact on the world of football.
Dick MacPherson passed away on August 8, 2021, but his legacy lives on in the players he coached and the fans who admired him. He will always be remembered as a legend in the world of college football.