Addendum to Parental Expectations and Bruised Self-Esteem Part 3

Addendum to Parental Expectations and Bruised Self-Esteem Part 3

One example of Bo, not admitting that he was wrong was illustrated in the practice involving Jim Brandstatter following a blocked punt by a Missouri player, the Saturday before. During the punting drill, Bo said he would pay any player $10 who blocked the punt. Sure, and behold, the punt got blocked. Bo thought it was Jim’s fault. Jim, making his block, ran downfield towards the punt returner. Bo began running after him, shouting obscenities with spittle running down his face. He caught up to Jim and began slapping him, yelling and out-of-control. Line coach Jerry Hanlon shortly caught up to Bo and told him something to the effect that Jim made his block. Bo replied, “He needed it anyway!”

Off the field, Bo demonstrated behaviors associated of a warm, loving, all-encompassing father. Many of his players attest to that fact. For instance, years later, all Pro Thom Darden with the Cleveland Browns visited, Bo in his office. It was customary for former players to come back and be with Bo. Thom didn’t know that one of Bo’s sons died in an automobile accident. When the subject came up, both Bo and Thom cried like babies. Their bond was strong.

Both Bo’s neurosis, and loving behaviors resulted in him becoming an unparalleled successful University of Michigan coach. So successful, there’s a look-alike statue of Bo, that’s placed in front of Schembechler Hall. Current coach Jim Harbaugh passes it every day. The All-American Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh was Bo’s quarterback. Now, unfortunately or fortunately, coach Harbaugh’s been compared to Bo, the legend.

More stories to be found in Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football published by Triumph Books.