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.
1953–1965
John McKenna Steady
John McKenna moved the Keydets from Regional Program III to Regional Program I in 13 seasons.
+7.3 pts over 13 seasons · bottom 30% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Pat Narduzzi’s Pittsburgh run (2015–now)
1st-best VMI tenure of 2 by the numbers.
Followed Thomas Nugent (1949–1952).
+7.3
62-60-8
1949–1952
Thomas Nugent Steady
Thomas Nugent held the Keydets at Regional Program III for 4 seasons.
−2.0 pts over 4 seasons · top 44% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Dennis Erickson’s Arizona State run (2007–2011)
2nd-best VMI tenure of 2 by the numbers.
Followed Slick Morton (1947–1948) · succeeded by John McKenna (1953–1965).
−2.0
19-18-2