When a legend leaves his post, whomever has to fill his shoes is faced with steep challenges, crushing expectations and the looming shadow of success. That’s the situation Earle Bruce faced when he took over the Ohio State program after Woody Hayes was dismissed as head coach of the Buckeyes after the 1978 season.
Bruce was thrust into a role that was previously held by a five-time national championship-winning coach—and one who created an aura of success that still lingers in Columbus today. The expectations for the Pittsburgh-born coach were gigantic. And even though he never won a national title, Bruce guided the Buckeyes to four Big Ten championships, and had the program on the doorstep of a national championship in 1979.