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.
1978–1981
Dick Sheridan Steady≈
Dick Sheridan moved Furman from Regional Program IV to Regional Program II in 4 seasons.
+10.7 pts over 4 seasons · top 5% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Justin Fuente’s Memphis run (2012–2015)
1st-best Furman tenure of 3 by the numbers.
Followed Art Baker (1973–1977).
+10.7
30-13-1
1973–1977
Art Baker Steady
Art Baker moved the Paladins from Regional Program VI to Regional Program IV in 5 seasons.
+5.1 pts over 5 seasons · top 13% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Hal Mumme’s Kentucky run (1997–2000)
2nd-best Furman tenure of 3 by the numbers.
Followed Robert King (1958–1972) · succeeded by Dick Sheridan (1978–1981).
+5.1
27-24-4
1958–1972
Robert King Steady
Robert King slid Furman from Regional Program V to Regional Program VI in 15 seasons.
−3.3 pts over 15 seasons · bottom 12% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Kalani Sitake’s BYU run (2016–now)
3rd-best Furman tenure of 3 by the numbers.
Succeeded by Art Baker (1973–1977).
−3.3
60-88-4