John Cooper is a distinguished former college football coach and player whose career spans several decades and includes significant achievements at multiple institutions. He began his coaching journey in 1962 as the freshmen team coach at Iowa State University, quickly moving up the ranks to become an assistant coach at Oregon State, UCLA, Kansas, and Kentucky. During his time at Oregon State, he contributed to the team’s first-place finish in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) and a Rose Bowl appearance in 1964. His coaching prowess continued to shine at UCLA, where he helped the team secure a Rose Bowl victory in 1965.

In 1977, Cooper took the helm as head coach at the University of Tulsa, where he compiled an impressive 56–32 record and led the team to five Missouri Valley Conference titles. His success at Tulsa paved the way for his subsequent roles at Arizona State University and Ohio State University. At Arizona State, he guided the team to three consecutive bowl games, including the 1987 Rose Bowl. Cooper’s tenure at Ohio State from 1988 to 2000 was marked by a remarkable 111–43–4 record, making him the second-winningest coach in the program’s history. His teams achieved shared Big Ten titles and notable victories against rivals, including back-to-back wins against Notre Dame.

Despite facing challenges, including a less favorable bowl record and rivalry losses, Cooper’s legacy is defined by his ability to develop talent, with numerous players from his teams going on to successful NFL careers. His coaching style and strategic insights have left a lasting impact on college football. After his coaching career, Cooper transitioned to a role as a scouting consultant for the Cincinnati Bengals and became a college football analyst for ESPN, showcasing his expertise and passion for the sport.

In recognition of his contributions to college football, Cooper was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2012. He also received honors from Iowa State University, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the sport. John Cooper’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a profound influence on the game of football.