In the annals of college football history, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Don Read, the legendary Montana football coach who guided the Grizzlies to unprecedented heights.
As we bid farewell to this iconic figure, let us reflect on the monumental impact he had on the sport, his storied coaching career, and the legacy that endures after his passing at the age of 90 on January 4, 2024.
Don Read’s Remarkable Career
Don Read’s coaching journey was nothing short of legendary, marked by a decade of unparalleled success at the helm of the Montana Grizzlies. He served as the head coach from 1986 to 1995, etching his name in the annals of football history with each victory.
Notably, Read led the Grizzlies to their first national football championship in 1995, a historic achievement that solidified his status as one of the greatest coaches in the sport.
A Record of Excellence
During his tenure, Don Read amassed an impressive coaching record, going 85-36 overall and an outstanding 54-22 in the Big Sky Conference. These achievements made him, at the time, the Grizzlies’ all-time winningest coach, a testament to his strategic brilliance and leadership acumen.
In 1995, the pinnacle of his coaching career, Read was honored as the Division I-AA Coach of the Year, a fitting recognition of his instrumental role in guiding the Grizzlies to the national championship.
His tenure was marked by consistent success, as evidenced by never having a losing record in 10 seasons and leading the Griz to the playoffs five times.
His Enduring Legacy
In 1998, the University of Montana paid tribute to Don Read’s lasting impact by inducting him into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame.