P. W. Underwood

Phillip Wayne "Bear" Underwood (October 16, 1931 – February 4, 2013), known as P. W. Underwood, was an American gridiron football player and coach. He was the head coach of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles from 1969 to 1974.

P. W. Underwood
Biographical details
Born(1931-10-16)October 16, 1931
Cordova, Alabama
DiedFebruary 4, 2013(2013-02-04) (aged 81)
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Playing career
1954–1956Southern Miss
1957–1958Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1963–1966Southern Miss (line)
1967–1968Tennessee (LB)
1969–1974Southern Miss
1976–1980Auburn (DC)
Head coaching record
Overall31–32–2

A native of Cordova, Alabama, Underwood joined the United States Army upon graduating from high school, serving several years with the military police. He began his playing career at Southern Miss in 1954, and played three seasons for the Golden Eagles.[1] He then had a brief professional career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, before turning to coaching.

After a short stint as an assistant for the Tennessee Volunteers he returned to become head coach at Southern Miss in 1969. During his six seasons he posted a 31–32–2 record and engineered one of the biggest wins in school history, a 30-14 win over fourth ranked Ole Miss in 1970.[2]

Underwood was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 28th round, 330th overall, in the 1954 NFL Draft, even before playing at Southern Miss.

He died on February 4, 2013.[2]

Head coaching record
Year Team Overall ConferenceStanding Bowl/playoffs
Southern Miss Golden Eagles (NCAA University Division / Division I independent]]) (1969–1974)
1969 Southern Miss 5–5
1970 Southern Miss 5–6
1971 Southern Miss 6–5
1972 Southern Miss 3–7–1
1973 Southern Miss 6–4–1
1974 Southern Miss 6–5
Southern Miss: 31–32–2
Total:31–32–2

References
  1. http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/smis/genrel/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/pw-bear-underwood.pdf
  2. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/02/former_southern_miss_player_co.html
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.