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Jack Crowe
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Jack Crowe (born May 2, 1947) is an American former college football coach. He played quarterback at West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He was most recently the head coach at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, a position he held from 2000 to 2012. Crowe also served as the head football coach at the University of Arkansas from 1990 to 1992. Crowe was also the head coach at Livingston University, now known as the University of West Alabama, from 1977 to 1978. He served as offensive coordinator for head coach Pat Dye at both Wyoming and Auburn. In addition, Crowe has served as an assistant coach at the University of North Alabama, Clemson University, and Baylor University. He is married to Leann Crowe.
Key Information
Coaching career
[edit]Crowe first came to Arkansas in 1989 as offensive coordinator under Ken Hatfield. That season ended with a Southwest Conference championship and a 10–2 record. But when Hatfield left to become head coach at Clemson a month after the season ended, athletic director Frank Broyles was reportedly in a difficult situation. There was not enough time to find a big-name replacement, and National Signing Day was only three weeks away. Broyles persuaded Crowe to abandon his initial plans to follow Hatfield to Clemson and take over as head coach of the Razorbacks. By the start of the season, Barry Foster had given up his senior season to enter the 1990 NFL draft and the Razorbacks had lost numerous other players to disciplinary and academic problems. Under the circumstances, the Razorbacks struggled, finishing with a 3–8 record. They barely qualified for a bowl in 1991.[1]
The Razorbacks opened the 1992 season—their first in the Southeastern Conference—with an upset loss to Division I-AA team The Citadel. The final score was 3–10 after a Citadel player blocked a field goal attempt and it was returned for a touchdown with just a few seconds left in the game. The next day, Broyles announced that Crowe had resigned and that defensive coordinator Joe Kines would coach the Razorbacks for the rest of the season.[2] However, Crowe's lawyer subsequently stated to Sports Illustrated that Crowe had been fired, and Broyles admitted that he had fired Crowe because of concern that the fans no longer had confidence in him.[1] Crowe's record was 9–15 in two seasons and one game in Fayetteville.
At Jacksonville State, Crowe won two official conference titles. In 2009, the team would have won a third, but JSU was ineligible for the conference title and postseason play after being placed on Academic Progress Rate probation due to the team's poor academic performance. He also coached Ashley Martin, the first woman to play and score in an NCAA football game and the second woman to play and score in a college game in any division.[3]
Crowe's Jacksonville State achieved a major upset to start the season, beating Houston Nutt's Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, 49–48 in double overtime. Nutt had been an assistant under Crowe when Crowe was fired from Arkansas. On November 30, 2012, Crowe was fired by Jacksonville State.[4]
Head coaching record
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Murphy, Austin. Not exactly Hog Heaven. Sports Illustrated, September 21, 1992.
- ^ "Kines will replace Crowe at Arkansas". The Gadsden Times. Associated Press. September 7, 1992. p. B1. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
- ^ "Martin first female to play, score in Division I". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 31, 2001. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
- ^ "Head football coach Jack Crowe out at Jacksonville State". AL.com. Jacksonville State Sports Information. December 1, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
Jack Crowe
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Early life and education
Early years
Jack Crowe was born on May 2, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama.[8] He grew up in the West End neighborhood of Birmingham, a community with deep roots in the city's industrial history.[1] From a young age, Crowe showed a keen interest in sports, especially football, shaped by the vibrant local athletic scene in Birmingham. The prominence of college programs like the University of Alabama, along with high school rivalries, fueled his passion for the game.[1] He formed early friendships with future stars such as Pat Sullivan, the 1971 Heisman Trophy winner from nearby Auburn, and Johnny Musso, an All-America running back at Alabama, often spending time together at local hangouts.[1] Crowe attended West End High School in Birmingham, where he participated in football as a quarterback and also played baseball.[5] These formative experiences in the West End laid the groundwork for his lifelong involvement in athletics.[1]Education
After graduating from West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama, Jack Crowe pursued higher education at Jefferson State Community College, where he spent two seasons focusing on baseball as his primary athletic pursuit. During this period, he played baseball for the college's team while beginning his academic journey. This community college experience laid the groundwork for his transition to a four-year institution, emphasizing his commitment to athletics outside of football.[5][1] Crowe subsequently transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he continued his studies and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry on a pre-med track. At UAB, his focus shifted more toward academic completion. The chemistry program provided him with a strong scientific foundation, and although he considered a career in medicine, he ultimately chose coaching.[5][1][9]Playing career
High school football
Jack Crowe grew up in the West End neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, where he developed an early interest in football amid a community rich with local talent, including friendships with future stars like Pat Sullivan and Johnny Musso. He played quarterback at West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama, participating as part of the school's athletic program alongside baseball.[1] Specific statistics, key games, and notable achievements from Crowe's high school football seasons are not extensively documented in available records, reflecting the era's limited coverage of high school sports. His time as a player at West End contributed to his foundational understanding of football tactics and team dynamics, experiences that later informed his development as both a player and an aspiring coach.[5] Upon graduating from West End High School, Crowe decided to pursue baseball rather than continuing with football, enrolling at Jefferson State Junior College to play the sport for two seasons. This choice marked a pivot from his high school football involvement, though the skills and passion gained from the gridiron persisted in shaping his lifelong connection to the game.[5]College baseball
After his high school experience in football and baseball, Jack Crowe opted to play baseball during his two seasons at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama.[5] There, he focused exclusively on the sport, forgoing football to concentrate on baseball development.[1] Specific details on his positions or personal statistics from these seasons are not widely documented, though his participation marked a deliberate shift toward baseball as his primary college athletic pursuit. This emphasis on baseball at the community college level influenced Crowe's broader athletic perspective, highlighting the value of specialized focus in team sports.Coaching career
Early coaching roles
Jack Crowe's coaching career began in 1973 as an assistant coach at Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama), advancing to offensive coordinator from 1974 through 1976.[5] During this period, Crowe developed his offensive schemes by frequently attending practices at nearby the University of Alabama, where he observed legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's strategies and techniques, which profoundly influenced his approach to game planning and player development.[10] In 1977, at the age of 28, Crowe was promoted to head coach at Livingston University, serving in that role for two seasons through 1978 and compiling an overall record of 5–15.[11] His brief head coaching tenure provided foundational experience in program management, though the team struggled in the competitive Gulf South Conference, finishing with a 2–13 conference mark.[11] Following his time at Livingston, Crowe moved to the University of North Alabama in 1979 as offensive coordinator, a position he retained through the 1980 season.[12] There, he continued to refine his offensive philosophies, drawing on insights from his Alabama observations to emphasize balanced attacks that integrated running and passing elements effectively for a Division II program.[10] Crowe's early assistant roles culminated in 1981 when he served as offensive coordinator at the University of Wyoming under head coach Pat Dye.[13] In this capacity, he focused on backfield coaching and play-calling, contributing to a Cowboys team that achieved an 8–3 record and helped solidify his reputation for innovative offensive coordination at the Division I level.[5]Offensive coordinator positions
Jack Crowe's tenure as an offensive coordinator began at Auburn University, where he served from 1982 to 1985 under head coach Pat Dye.[5] In this role, Crowe also coached quarterbacks and helped implement a run-oriented wishbone offense that propelled the Tigers to a 37-12 record over four seasons.[5] Auburn led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in total offense twice and in rushing three times during this period, contributing to appearances in the Florida Citrus Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Liberty Bowl, and Cotton Bowl.[5] A key highlight was Crowe's involvement in the development of running back Bo Jackson, who transitioned from quarterback early in his career and rushed for over 4,000 yards under Crowe's guidance, culminating in Jackson's 1985 Heisman Trophy win.[14] Crowe notably called plays featuring Jackson, including the iconic "Bo Over the Top" touchdown in the 1982 Iron Bowl against Alabama.[15] Following his success at Auburn, Crowe moved to Clemson University as offensive coordinator from 1986 to 1988 under head coach Danny Ford, continuing his work with quarterbacks.[13] The Tigers achieved a 29-6-1 record, securing three consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships.[5] Clemson's offense, emphasizing a powerful rushing attack, led the ACC in rushing yards each season, which supported postseason berths in the Florida Citrus Bowl (twice) and Gator Bowl.[5] While specific quarterback developments were less publicized, the consistent offensive output reflected Crowe's ability to build balanced attacks that complemented Clemson's defensive strengths. In 1989, Crowe joined the University of Arkansas as offensive coordinator under head coach Ken Hatfield, a position he assumed in February of that year.[13] The Razorbacks' offense, coordinated by Crowe, played a pivotal role in a 10-2 season and the program's first Southwest Conference (SWC) championship since 1977.[16] Quarterback Quinn Grovey thrived in the system, directing high-output games such as a 647-yard total offense performance in a 45-39 win over No. 12 Houston.[17] This success showcased Crowe's emphasis on option-based schemes that maximized quarterback mobility and rushing efficiency.[18] Crowe's effective play-calling at Arkansas led to his promotion to head coach following Hatfield's departure to Clemson in January 1990, marking the end of his prominent assistant roles at major programs.[13]Head coaching tenures
Jack Crowe was elevated to head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks in January 1990, succeeding Ken Hatfield who had departed for Clemson; Crowe had served as Hatfield's offensive coordinator the previous season, providing a natural progression to the top role.[3] His tenure began amid high expectations as Arkansas prepared to join the Southeastern Conference, but it quickly encountered significant hurdles, including inconsistent performance that drew scrutiny from fans and administrators. The most defining moment came in the 1992 season opener, when the Razorbacks suffered an embarrassing home loss to The Citadel, a Division I-AA program, marking the first game as an SEC member and amplifying the pressures on Crowe.[19] This upset led to his abrupt dismissal by athletic director Frank Broyles just one game into his third season, ending his time at Arkansas after three years of navigating the program's transition to major conference competition. Following his exit from Arkansas, Crowe returned to an assistant role as offensive coordinator at Baylor University, serving from 1993 to 1995 under head coach Chuck Reedy, where he helped implement a productive passing attack during a period of team resurgence.[20] After leaving Baylor, Crowe stepped away from coaching for several years to pursue business opportunities, reflecting on his career before re-entering the profession at a smaller program. In December 1999, Crowe was hired as head coach at Jacksonville State University, taking over a Gamecocks program that had struggled for consistency in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Over his 13-year tenure from 2000 to 2012, he orchestrated a notable turnaround, revitalizing the team through rigorous recruiting and strategic development that elevated Jacksonville State's standing in FCS football.[1] The program achieved sustained success in conference play, including multiple OVC titles that positioned the Gamecocks as contenders in the division.[21] A landmark event during his leadership occurred in 2001, when Crowe integrated soccer standout Ashley Martin as the team's placekicker; she became the first woman to play and score in an NCAA Division I football game, converting three extra points in a dominant win over Cumberland University, highlighting his willingness to embrace inclusive opportunities for talented athletes.[22] Crowe's coaching philosophy centered on fostering a culture of accountability, toughness, and interdependence among players, principles he traced to influences like Bear Bryant's emphasis on discipline and team unity.[23] At Jacksonville State, he built this ethos by prioritizing fundamentals, player preparation, and a balanced offensive scheme that maximized team strengths, creating a resilient environment where athletes developed both on and off the field.[10] His approach not only drove competitive improvements but also instilled lasting values, contributing to a cohesive team identity that endured beyond his time on the sideline.Head coaching record
Livingston University
Jack Crowe was promoted to head football coach at Livingston University—now the University of West Alabama—after serving as offensive coordinator from 1973 to 1976.[5] During his two-year tenure from 1977 to 1978, Crowe compiled an overall record of 5–15 at the NAIA program, which competed in the Gulf South Conference.[24][25] The Tigers went 2–8 in 1977 (1–7 GSC), including a conference win over Mississippi College but losses to regional powers like Jacksonville State and Troy State.[26][27] In 1978, the team improved slightly to 3–7 overall (1–6 GSC), with victories against non-conference opponents such as West Georgia and Southern Arkansas, though they fell to Delta State and Jacksonville State.[27][28]| Year | Overall Record | GSC Record | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 2–8 | 1–7 | 9th |
| 1978 | 3–7 | 1–6 | 8th |
Arkansas Razorbacks
Jack Crowe served as head football coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1990 to 1992, succeeding Ken Hatfield who had departed for Clemson following the 1989 season; Crowe had previously been Arkansas's offensive coordinator under Hatfield in 1989.[6] His tenure at the major-college level program was marked by a 9–15 overall record, including a 0–1 bowl appearance.[6] The Razorbacks competed in the Southwest Conference (SWC) for the 1990 and 1991 seasons before transitioning to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1992, facing increased competitive pressures in the latter year.[29] In Crowe's inaugural 1990 season, Arkansas started with a 2–1 record, securing non-conference victories over Tulsa (28–3) and Colorado State (31–20) before a narrow loss to Ole Miss (17–21).[30] The team struggled thereafter in SWC play, finishing with a 3–8 overall mark and 1–7 conference record, placing eighth in the eight-team league; notable wins included a late-season 42–29 upset at SMU, but losses to powerhouses like Texas (17–49) and Houston (28–62) highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.[30] The Razorbacks ended the year unranked, averaging 23.5 points scored and 31.5 allowed per game.[30] The 1991 campaign showed improvement, with Arkansas achieving a 6–6 overall record and tying for second in the SWC at 5–3.[31] Key wins included a 14–13 victory over Texas, a 29–17 rout of Houston, and a shutout of Rice (20–0), though losses to ranked opponents like Miami (3–31) and Texas A&M (3–13) tempered success.[31] The season culminated in the Independence Bowl, where Arkansas fell 15–24 to No. 24 Georgia, marking the program's first bowl under Crowe but extending the skid against SEC foes.[31] Offensively, the team averaged 15.3 points per game, relying on a balanced attack amid a transitional year.[31] Crowe's tenure ended abruptly in 1992 after just one game, a shocking 3–10 home loss to I-AA independent The Citadel on September 5, which prompted his resignation the following day; this upset, the first of its kind in modern Arkansas history, left his record at 0–1 for the season and contributed to the overall 9–15 mark.[32] The Razorbacks, now in the SEC West Division, had entered the year with tempered expectations following the prior seasons' inconsistencies, but the Citadel defeat—despite Arkansas's early ranking potential—exposed preparation issues and led to immediate leadership change.[3]| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Finish | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Arkansas | 3–8 | 1–7 (8th SWC) | — | — |
| 1991 | Arkansas | 6–6 | 5–3 (T–2nd SWC) | Independence Bowl (L 15–24 vs. Georgia) | L |
| 1992 | Arkansas | 0–1 (part) | — | — | — |
| Total | 9–15 | 6–10 | 0–1 |