Dick MacPherson was more than a football coach.
He loved his players as young men. "Learn to do what you do," he told them over and over until it was part of their impersonation of Mac. And yet, years later, when they were well beyond the game, the philosophies of their coach made more clear that he was a life mentor, too.
Sure, his winning record with Syracuse, capturing the Sugar Bowl to top an undefeated 1987 season, and a 66-46-4 record including four bowl game wins of five tries gave credence to the quality of his coaching leading to his induction in the College Football Hall of Fame.