Is Eddie Cochems Living or Dead?

About Eddie Cochems

Eddie Cochems: The Innovator Who Changed Football Forever

Eddie Cochems was a man ahead of his time. Born in 1877, he revolutionized the game of football with his innovative offensive strategies and coaching techniques. He was a true pioneer, and his impact on the sport is still felt today.

Cochems grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played football as a halfback. After graduation, he became a coach, first at St. Louis University and then at the University of Mississippi.

It was at Ole Miss that Cochems made his mark. He introduced the forward pass to the game, a tactic that was unheard of at the time. His team's success with the new strategy caught the attention of other coaches, and soon the forward pass became a staple of the game.

Cochems continued to innovate throughout his coaching career. He developed the "short punt" formation, which allowed for more flexibility in offensive play-calling. He also emphasized the importance of conditioning and practice, and his teams were known for their discipline and precision.

Despite his success, Cochems was not without controversy. He was accused of using ineligible players and was involved in a scandal at Ole Miss that led to his resignation. He later coached at several other schools, including the University of North Dakota and the University of Tulsa.

Cochems' impact on football cannot be overstated. His innovations changed the game forever, and his coaching techniques influenced generations of coaches to come. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951, and his legacy lives on to this day.

References:

- "Eddie Cochems." College Football Hall of Fame. https://www.cfbhall.com/about/inductees/inductee-list/eddie-cochems/

- "Eddie Cochems." Ole Miss Athletics. https://olemisssports.com/sports/2018/6/15/trads-m-footbl-cochems-html.aspx