Who Is This Famous Coach? Don Soldinger/Southridge

[OldSchoolLion 1,694]

Who is he?

Where did he coach?

[Drogo 77]

Don Soldinger 

Southridge and The U

[OldSchoolLion 1,694]

10 minutes ago, Drogo said:

Don Soldinger 

Southridge and The U

Don Soldinger was one of those rare coaches who had the ultimate in success at both the high school and collegiate levels. His experience and knowledge helped to elevate the University of Miami's football program to the pinnacle, not once, but twice.

Following a legendary stint at Miami's Southridge High School, Coach Jimmy Johnson tapped Don to be his linebackers and tight ends coach in 1984, a position he held throughout Johnson's tenure. Soldinger was instrumental in Miami's dominant defense, coaching future NFL defenders Micheal Barrow, Winston Moss, John McVeigh, and Rod Carter, along with tight end Alfredo Roberts.

In his second stint with the Hurricanes beginning in 1995, Soldinger came back as the running backs coach, nearly turning Miami's "Quarterback U" reputation into "Running Back U." He shaped the careers of some of Miami's finest backs, including Edgerrin James, Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis, James Jackson and Danyell Ferguson.  Those five backs hold six of the top seven single season rushing totals, all topping the 1,000-yard mark. Add Frank Gore, Najeh Davenport and Jarrett Payton and you have a stable of some of the finest running backs in UM history, all who were coached by Soldinger.

In Don's 16 seasons as an assistant coach at Miami, the Canes won 158 games, claiming 1987 and 2001 National Championships, and playing in 14 post-season bowl games.

In his 12 seasons as a high school head coach, Soldinger became an icon in the South Florida prep ranks as he compiled a record of 104-35-1 at Southridge High, winning two state championship in four appearances, and twice being selected Coach of the Year by the Jack Harding chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. 

[MC Rockets 262]

1 hour ago, OldSchoolLion said:

Don Soldinger was one of those rare coaches who had the ultimate in success at both the high school and collegiate levels. His experience and knowledge helped to elevate the University of Miami's football program to the pinnacle, not once, but twice.

Following a legendary stint at Miami's Southridge High School, Coach Jimmy Johnson tapped Don to be his linebackers and tight ends coach in 1984, a position he held throughout Johnson's tenure. Soldinger was instrumental in Miami's dominant defense, coaching future NFL defenders Micheal Barrow, Winston Moss, John McVeigh, and Rod Carter, along with tight end Alfredo Roberts.

In his second stint with the Hurricanes beginning in 1995, Soldinger came back as the running backs coach, nearly turning Miami's "Quarterback U" reputation into "Running Back U." He shaped the careers of some of Miami's finest backs, including Edgerrin James, Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis, James Jackson and Danyell Ferguson.  Those five backs hold six of the top seven single season rushing totals, all topping the 1,000-yard mark. Add Frank Gore, Najeh Davenport and Jarrett Payton and you have a stable of some of the finest running backs in UM history, all who were coached by Soldinger.

In Don's 16 seasons as an assistant coach at Miami, the Canes won 158 games, claiming 1987 and 2001 National Championships, and playing in 14 post-season bowl games.

In his 12 seasons as a high school head coach, Soldinger became an icon in the South Florida prep ranks as he compiled a record of 104-35-1 at Southridge High, winning two state championship in four appearances, and twice being selected Coach of the Year by the Jack Harding chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. 

Also coming close to winning a national championship at Southridge, but they were upset in the finals by Pensacola Washington, I believe. 

[Jambun82 126]

8 hours ago, MC Rockets said:

Also coming close to winning a national championship at Southridge, but they were upset in the finals by Pensacola Washington, I believe. 

Yes, in 1994 at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium. I attended that game.