Wayne Fontes

       





Profile

Wayne Fontes is a former NFL coach with the Detroit Lions from 1988-1996.  Wayne own the franchise records for wins (and losses), won Coach of the Year in 1991*, and has a National Championship with USC as an assistant in 1972.  He was the defensive backs coach with the University of Iowa from 1969-1971**.  I mean, its not a coincidence that USC brings in a coach from Iowa and they win the National Championship the next year, right?

* Won the division, and lost to eventual champion Mark Rypien and the Washington Football Team.  That was a fun team to watch, wasn't it. 

** Wayne coached future NFLer Craig Clemons who played 6 years in the pros

Personal Notes

Wayne Fontes joins the Iowa Collection bringing with him a National Championship and Coach of the Year trophy.  However, I would wager that he wouldn't have the fondest of memories in his time in the Hawkeye state.  He came to Iowa after coaching at Dayton, and he would continues his rise after he left.  Iowa was a but a stepping stone, and that is fine.  One only needs but a moment there to appreciate it.

He came to Iowa when Ray Nagel was coaching, and during his time in the staff, there was a protest by the black players on the team (sounds eerily familiar) and in-fighting amongst the coach and the AD.  While they had some mild success together, his immediate success with USC probably washed away that sour taste.



Collection Notes

I have 2/12 (17%) cards in my collection.



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