Ron Meyer was an influential figure in American football, known for his coaching career that spanned several decades. Born on February 17, 1941, in Westerville, Ohio, Meyer began his journey in football as a player. He played college football at Purdue University, where he was a quarterback from 1961 to 1963. His understanding of the game and leadership qualities on the field hinted at a future in coaching.
After his playing days, Meyer transitioned into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Purdue in 1964. He then moved on to become an assistant coach at several universities, including the University of Arkansas and Southern Methodist University (SMU). His early coaching years were marked by a keen ability to develop players and a strategic mind that would serve him well in his later roles.
Meyer's first major head coaching position came in 1973 when he took the helm at UNLV. During his time there, he led the team to a 27-8 record over three seasons, showcasing his ability to turn around a program and instill a winning mentality. His success at UNLV caught the attention of SMU, where he became the head coach in 1976.
At SMU, Meyer faced the challenge of rebuilding a struggling program. He recruited talented players, including future NFL stars Eric Dickerson and Craig James, forming the famous "Pony Express" backfield. Under Meyer's guidance, SMU achieved a 10-1 record in 1981, earning a share of the Southwest Conference title and a spot in the Cotton Bowl. His tenure at SMU was marked by controversy, however, as the program was later implicated in a major recruiting scandal, although Meyer himself was not directly involved.
In 1982, Meyer made the leap to the NFL, becoming the head coach of the New England Patriots. His first season with the Patriots was a success, as he led the team to a 5-4 record in a strike-shortened season, earning a playoff berth. The following year, Meyer was at the center of a memorable moment in NFL history known as the "Snowplow Game," where he instructed a stadium worker to clear a spot on the field for a crucial field goal attempt, leading to a Patriots victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Meyer's tenure with the Patriots ended in 1984, but he soon found another opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts in 1986. Taking over a struggling team mid-season, he managed to lead the Colts to a 3-3 record in his first six games. The following year, Meyer guided the Colts to a 9-6 record and an AFC East title, their first division championship in over a decade. Despite this success, he was dismissed during the 1991 season after a series of disappointing performances.
Throughout his coaching career, Ron Meyer was known for his innovative strategies and ability to motivate players.
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