Lynn "Pappy" Waldorf (Football Coach, 1935-57)
"Pappy" Waldorf was named Northwestern's head coach in 1935. He won honors for himself both as an All-American at the University of Syracuse and as a collegiate coach. In his first year at NU, he led the 'Cats to their first upset over Notre Dame in 35 years and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. His 1936 Wildcat team was the Big Ten Champion, winning six conference games.
Waldorf coached seven NU All-Americans, was named National Coach of the Year in 1945, and is the NU coach responsible for winning the most games -- 49 in his 11-year career. In 1947, he moved to the University of California where he served as head coach. He later served as personnel director for the San Francisco 49ers. He retired in 1972. The National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame selected Waldorf as their coach electee in 1966. He died in 1978, and was a coach who will long be remembered for his philosophy that "players should enjoy the game."
