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.
1973–1981
John Anderson Builder
John Anderson raised the Bears from Regional Program V to Regional Program I.
+17.6 pts over 9 seasons · top 6% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Jeff Traylor’s UTSA run (2020–now)
1st-best Brown tenure of 3 by the numbers.
4 NFL Draft picks: Bob Bateman (1976), John Sinnott (1980), John Woodring (1981), Steve Jordan (1982)
+17.6
51-29-2
1944–1949
Rip Engle Steady
Rip Engle moved Brown from Regional Program III to Regional Program I in 6 seasons.
+5.0 pts over 6 seasons · top 33% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Gus Malzahn’s Auburn run (2013–2020)
2nd-best Brown tenure of 3 by the numbers.
+5.0
28-20-4
1936–1940
DeOrmond McLaughry Steady
DeOrmond McLaughry held Brown at Regional Program III for 5 seasons.
3rd-best Brown tenure of 3 by the numbers.
Regional Program III
24-20-2