Legendary first head coach of the United States Air Force Academy football team. In 1958, he pulled together a brand new team with no returning players and led them to an undefeated record (9-0-2) in their very first season and a berth in the Cotton Bowl, where they battled heavily favored Texas Christian University to a 0-0 tie. Finished the season sixth in national polls, enjoying immediate respect for the first-year program. In 20 years as head coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the longest of any football coach in service academy history, Martin produced a career record of 96-103-9 and coached 10 All-Americans. He also coached the Falcons to the 1965 Gator Bowl and the 1971 Sugar Bowl. Retired as head coach of the Air Force Academy following the 1977 season and then became a television and radio commentator. Martin was a 1946 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy where he played halfback and end; served aboard the USS Helena; was assistant football coach at Navy from 1949 to 1954; then was head football coach at the University of Virginia for two seasons before assuming the Falcons coaching position. Cause of death: heart attack.
Legendary first head coach of the United States Air Force Academy football team. In 1958, he pulled together a brand new team with no returning players and led them to an undefeated record (9-0-2) in their very first season and a berth in the Cotton Bowl, where they battled heavily favored Texas Christian University to a 0-0 tie. Finished the season sixth in national polls, enjoying immediate respect for the first-year program. In 20 years as head coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the longest of any football coach in service academy history, Martin produced a career record of 96-103-9 and coached 10 All-Americans. He also coached the Falcons to the 1965 Gator Bowl and the 1971 Sugar Bowl. Retired as head coach of the Air Force Academy following the 1977 season and then became a television and radio commentator. Martin was a 1946 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy where he played halfback and end; served aboard the USS Helena; was assistant football coach at Navy from 1949 to 1954; then was head football coach at the University of Virginia for two seasons before assuming the Falcons coaching position. Cause of death: heart attack.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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