Howard Schnellenberger, who led Miami to its first national championship and in the process turned a once-floundering football program into a dynasty, died Saturday his family announced. He was 87.
What Schnellenberger did at Miami remains one of the greatest transformations in college football history. Before his arrival in 1979, Miami administrators considered dropping the sport as the losses mounted and morale dipped.
But after he helped deliver the 1983 national championship, Miami won three more national titles over the next six seasons. Though he was only there for the '83 title, the speed and athleticism the Hurricanes first displayed under Schnellenberger became a blueprint for programs across the country.