Terry Donahue (2001) - Hall of Fame

Terry Donahue

Induction:
2001

Terry Donahue concluded his successful 20-season career as head coach at his alma mater in 1995 with a career record of 151-74-8 (.665) having led the Bruins to 13 post-season bowl games, including four Rose Bowls and five Pac-10 championships. In addition, his teams finished in the Top 20 twelve times and Top 10 five times and enjoyed three 10-win seasons. During his career, Donahue won 98 Pac-10 games, setting a record for most league victories as a head coach. He was one of just two coaches in college football history to win eight consecutive bowl appearances and was the first coach in history to win a bowl game in seven consecutive seasons. Up until his retirement, Donahue had a hand in all 10 of UCLA’s bowl victories (one as a player, one as an assistant coach and eight as head coach). He was the first coach of the UCLA-USC series to record five straight victories and the only coach to defeat the Trojans in three consecutive years twice. During his 20 years, Donahue developed 34 first team All-American selections as well as the only three-time consensus All-Americans in Pac-10 history – linebacker Jerry Robinson and safety Kenny Easley. Donahue first became associated with UCLA in the mid-60’s when he played for Tommy Prothro’s first two UCLA squads (1965-66). He came to UCLA as a “walk-on” and after redshirting in 1964, he earned a starting spot at defensive tackle and held it for two years. During those two seasons, Donahue started all 21 games and the Bruins compiled a record of 17-3-1, including a memorable upset of unbeaten Michigan State in the 1966 Rose Bowl. Following graduation, Donahue was an assistant coach at Kansas under Pepper Rodgers before returning to UCLA in 1970 as the offensive line coach. He remained in that capacity until 1976 when he became UCLA’s 13^th head coach.

* Accomplishments listed above were at the time of induction.