Stature and coaches, 1936–1981
The program’s standing over time, with every coach’s tenure beneath it — read down to see who was there for each rise and fall.
DynastyBlue BloodPower ProgramNational ProgramRegional Program
Every coach
Big movers show how many stature points they built or lost against what they inherited; steadier tenures show the tier they reached instead.
1977–1981
Bob Blackman Steady
Bob Blackman held the Big Red at Regional Program III for 5 seasons.
−0.7 pts over 5 seasons · top 36% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Mark Dantonio’s Cincinnati run (2004–2006)
4th-best Cornell tenure of 4 by the numbers.
−0.7
19-27-1
1961–1965
Tom Harp Steady
Tom Harp moved the Big Red from Regional Program IV to Regional Program II in 5 seasons.
+2.6 pts over 5 seasons · top 22% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Larry Fedora’s Southern Miss run (2008–2011)
3rd-best Cornell tenure of 4 by the numbers.
Followed George James (1947–1960).
+2.6
19-23-3
1947–1960
George James Steady
George James slid the Big Red from National Program II to Regional Program IV in 14 seasons.
−16.7 pts over 14 seasons · bottom 1% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)
Closest comparable run: E. Lowell Romney’s Utah State run (1938–1942, 1944–1948)
2nd-best Cornell tenure of 4 by the numbers.
Followed Ed McKeever (1946) · succeeded by Tom Harp (1961–1965).
−16.7
66-58-2
1946
Ed McKeever Short tenure
5-3-1
1937–1940
+17.8
24-5-2