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Ralph Jordan
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Ralph Jordan
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James Ralph "Shug" Jordan (/ʃʊɡ ˈdʒɜːrdən/ SHUUG JUR-dən; September 25, 1910 – July 17, 1980) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach of football and basketball. He served as the head football coach at Auburn University from 1951 to 1975, where he compiled a record of 176–83–6. He has the most wins of any coach in Auburn Tigers football history. Jordan's 1957 Auburn squad went undefeated with a record of 10–0 and was named the national champion by the Associated Press. Jordan was also the head men's basketball coach at Auburn (1933–1942, 1945–1946) and at the University of Georgia (1946–1950), tallying a career college basketball record of 136–103. During his time coaching basketball, he also served as an assistant football coach at the two schools. Auburn's Jordan–Hare Stadium was renamed in Jordan's honor in 1973. Jordan was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1982.

Key Information

Early years and playing career

[edit]

Born in Selma, Alabama, Jordan was nicknamed "Shug" as a child because of his love for sorghum sugar cane. A 1932 graduate of Auburn, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and was voted the Most Outstanding Athlete in 1932, awarded the Porter Loving Cup.[1] Jordan was initiated into Theta Chi fraternity at Auburn, and he started the Delta Beta chapter of Theta Chi at the University of Georgia.

Early coaching career

[edit]

After graduation, Jordan became the head basketball coach and an assistant football coach at Auburn. In ten seasons (1933–1942, 1945–1946) as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, he compiled a record of 95–77. Jordan also compiled 45 wins as head basketball coach at Georgia. In addition to having the most wins by a football coach in Auburn history, Jordan ranks fifth in wins among Tigers basketball coaches.

Military service in World War II

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During World War II, Jordan fought in four major invasions as a United States Army officer. He saw action in North Africa and Sicily before being wounded in the invasion of Normandy and receiving a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After recovering from his wounds, he continued action in the Pacific theater, serving at Okinawa.

Head football coaching career

[edit]

Prior to being hired as Auburn's head football coach in 1951, Jordan spent one season as an assistant coach of the Miami Seahawks of the All-America Football Conference in 1946, and then four years as an assistant at the University of Georgia. When he became head football coach at Auburn, he retained assistants Shot Senn (linemen), Joel Eaves (defensive ends), and Dick McGowen as head freshmen team coach, all former Auburn players who had assisted Jordan's predecessor, Earl Brown. Jordan also hired George L. "Buck" Bradberry (defensive backfield), Homer Hobbs (assistant line), Gene Lorendo (offensive ends), all former Georgia players, and Charlie Waller (offensive backfield). McGowen also served as Auburn's head baseball coach from 1951 to 1957. By 1957 Jordan led Auburn to the Southeastern Conference title and AP national championship.

In 1971, Jordan coached quarterback Pat Sullivan to the Heisman Trophy. The next year, Jordan's Tigers upset heavily favored, arch-rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl, a victory which became known as Punt Bama Punt. In 1973, the university renamed Cliff Hare Stadium as Jordan–Hare Stadium in Jordan's honor, the first stadium in the United States to be named for an active coach. Reflecting Auburn's rise to national prominence under his watch, the stadium's capacity more than tripled during his tenure, from 21,600 when he returned to the Plains in 1951 to 61,261 when he retired. When Jordan retired after the 1975 season, he had amassed a record of 176–83–6 for a .675 winning percentage.

Death

[edit]

Jordan died on July 17, 1980, at his home in Auburn, Alabama after a four-month fight with leukemia.[2]

Personal life

[edit]

Jordan met Evelyn Walker (1913–2011), a native of Augusta, Georgia, and a student at the University of South Carolina, when Jordan accompanied the Auburn University basketball team to a tournament there in 1934. Jordan and Walker married in 1937 and were the parents of three children. Evelyn Walker Jordan served as a Panhellenic advisor on the Auburn campus and became a licensed couples counsellor.

Head coaching record

[edit]

Football

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Auburn Tigers (Southeastern Conference) (1951–1975)
1951 Auburn 5–5 3–4 6th
1952 Auburn 2–8 0–7 12th
1953 Auburn 7–3–1 4–2–1 5th L Gator 17
1954 Auburn 8–3 3–3 T–6th W Gator 13
1955 Auburn 8–2–1 5–2–1 3rd L Gator 8 8
1956 Auburn 7–3 4–3 5th
1957 Auburn 10–0 7–0 1st 2 1
1958 Auburn 9–0–1 6–0–1 2nd 4 4
1959 Auburn 7–3 4–3 5th 15
1960 Auburn 8–2 4–2 4th 14 13
1961 Auburn 6–4 3–4 7th
1962 Auburn 6–3–1 4–3 6th
1963 Auburn 9–2 5–1 2nd L Orange 6 5
1964 Auburn 6–4 3–3 6th
1965 Auburn 5–5–1 4–1–1 2nd L Liberty
1966 Auburn 4–6 1–5 8th
1967 Auburn 6–4 3–3 7th
1968 Auburn 7–4 4–2 T–3rd W Sun 16
1969 Auburn 8–3 5–2 3rd L Astro-Bluebonnet 15 20
1970 Auburn 9–2 5–2 3rd W Gator 9 10
1971 Auburn 9–2 5–1 T–2nd L Sugar 5 12
1972 Auburn 10–1 6–1 2nd W Gator 7 5
1973 Auburn 6–6 2–5 T–8th L Sun
1974 Auburn 10–2 4–2 T–2nd W Gator 6 8
1975 Auburn 4–6–1 2–4 T–6th
Auburn: 176–83–6 96–65–4
Total: 176–83–6
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Basketball

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Auburn Tigers (Southeastern Conference) (1933–1942)
1933–34 Auburn 2–11 2–9 12th
1934–35 Auburn 4–13 3–9 11th
1935–36 Auburn 10–7 7–4 5th
1936–37 Auburn 11–4 7–4 4th
1937–38 Auburn 14–5 6–3 4th
1938–39 Auburn 16–6 6–4 4th
1939–40 Auburn 7–10 6–7 8th
1940–41 Auburn 13–6 6–5 6th
1941–42 Auburn 11–6 9–5 5th
Auburn Tigers (Southeastern Conference) (1945–1946)
1945–46 Auburn 7–9 7–6
Auburn: 95–77 59–56
Georgia Bulldogs (Southeastern Conference) (1946–1950)
1946–47 Georgia 2–3
1947–48 Georgia 18–10 6–8
1948–49 Georgia 17–13 6–9
1949–50 Georgia 4–2
Georgia: 41–28 12–17
Total: 136–103

Honors and awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ralph Jordan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James Ralph "Shug" Jordan (September 25, 1910 – July 17, 1980) was an American coach, athlete, and decorated veteran renowned for his 25-year tenure as head coach of the Tigers, where he amassed 176 wins, 83 losses, and 6 ties, making him the winningest coach in program history. Born in , to James Harry Jordan and Katherine Agnes Darby, he earned his nickname "Shug" as a child due to his fondness for . A three-sport letterman at , where he graduated with a degree in in 1932 and was voted the school's most outstanding athlete that year, Jordan initially coached at Auburn (1934–1942 and 1945–1946, 95–77 record) and served as an assistant football coach before taking the head football role in 1951. During his coaching career, Jordan led Auburn to its only undisputed in with a perfect 10–0 record, securing both the (SEC) title and the (AP) poll crown, while also achieving 13 AP Top 20 finishes, seven Top 10 rankings, and a 24-game unbeaten streak from to 1959. He mentored 16 players, including Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan in 1971 and Outland Trophy recipient Zeke Smith in , and orchestrated iconic victories such as the 1972 "Punt Bama Lam" upset over rival . Jordan's impact extended beyond the field; in 1973, Auburn's stadium was renamed Jordan–Hare Stadium in his honor while he was still active, a rare distinction for a sitting coach. Prior to his prominence in coaching, Jordan served as a major in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during , participating in four major invasions—, , (where he was wounded), and Okinawa—and earning and Bronze Star for his valor. Posthumously inducted into the in 1982 and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1969, Jordan's legacy as a tactician, mentor, and war hero continues to define Auburn's athletic tradition.

Early life and playing career

Upbringing and education

James Ralph Jordan was born on September 25, 1910, in , to James Harry Jordan, a railroad worker, and Katherine Agnes Darby. As a child, he earned the nickname "Shug" due to his fondness for chewing , a habit that reflected his rural Southern upbringing. Additionally, Jordan acquired the nickname "Lefty" during high school because he was left-handed, a trait that would later influence his athletic endeavors. During his elementary school years, Jordan's family relocated briefly to the area near Grove Hill in , before returning to Selma to facilitate his education. He attended and graduated from A.G. Parrish High School in Selma in 1927, completing his secondary in his hometown amid the economic challenges of the era. Following graduation, Jordan spent the 1927-1928 academic year working on a crew to accumulate funds for tuition, demonstrating early resourcefulness and determination. In 1928, he enrolled at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as , where he pursued a degree in . He earned a in in 1932, laying the academic groundwork for his future career in and athletics.

Athletic achievements at Auburn

During his time at from 1928 to 1932, Ralph Jordan distinguished himself as a multi-sport , lettering in football, , and while navigating the challenges of the era on campus. His versatility and dedication helped elevate Auburn's athletic programs during a period of economic hardship, inspiring fellow students and contributing to the university's growing reputation in competition. In football, Jordan played as a center from 1928 to 1931 under head coaches George Bohler and Chet Wynne, providing solid line play and special teams reliability for teams that posted competitive records in the . He served as team captain during his senior year. Jordan's contributions were particularly notable, where he served as a forward and became a top scorer, leading the in scoring during his sophomore year, while also anchoring the defense as a strong rebounder for the Auburn "cagers." He was captain of the team as a junior. His scoring prowess and defensive tenacity helped the team compete effectively in regional play, highlighting his all-around skills in a sport where he was especially gifted. On the diamond, contributed as a and , bringing his competitive edge to the Auburn squad during spring seasons from 1929 to 1932. In his senior year, he pitched Auburn to a 5–3 victory over , securing the title. His dual-role versatility supported the team's efforts in games, adding depth to a program that relied on student-athletes like him to maintain momentum amid limited resources. In recognition of his exceptional performances across these sports, Jordan was named Auburn's Most Outstanding Athlete in 1932, receiving the prestigious Porter Loving Cup for his leadership and impact. This honor capped his undergraduate career, which culminated in his graduation that year with a in . Jordan's achievements during the years not only boosted Auburn's athletic visibility but also exemplified resilience, as his multi-sport excellence provided a source of pride and unity for the campus community facing national economic turmoil.

Early coaching career

Assistant positions at Auburn

Upon graduating from in 1932, where he had excelled as a multi-sport in football, , and , Ralph Jordan was immediately retained by the athletic department in a coaching capacity. Head football coach Chet Wynne hired him that year to serve as the freshman football coach while also assisting with the , marking Jordan's entry into collegiate coaching. Jordan's assistant role in football involved supporting player development and game preparation during a period of transition for the program under Wynne, who served as from 1930 to 1933 and led the team to a Southern Conference championship in 1932. After Wynne's departure following the 1933 season, Jordan continued as an assistant under Jack Meagher through 1942. As a young assistant fresh from his playing days, Jordan contributed to building team discipline and fundamentals, leveraging his experience as a standout to mentor incoming talent amid Auburn's evolving athletic landscape. His work helped stabilize the football program through the mid-1930s, even as the teams posted winning records in several seasons, such as 9-0-1 in 1932. These years coincided with the , which imposed severe financial strains on Auburn's athletic department, including budget cuts, reduced facilities maintenance, and challenges in recruiting and travel funding that affected programs broadly. Jordan's multifaceted involvement in the department, balancing football duties with other responsibilities, exemplified the resourcefulness required to sustain operations during economic hardship, as Auburn navigated unsuccessful seasons and institutional pressures without external financial support. By 1942, as loomed, Jordan's assistant tenure had solidified his reputation within Auburn athletics, paving the way for his expanded roles before interrupted his career.

Head basketball coaching at Auburn

Ralph "Shug" Jordan served as head coach at in two stints, from 1933 to 1942 and again in 1945–1946, while concurrently holding an assistant football coaching position. During his pre-war tenure from 1933–1942, Jordan compiled an overall record of 88–66, elevating Auburn from early struggles to consistent contention within the (SEC). Notable seasons included 1937–38 (14–5) and 1938–39 (16–6), during which Auburn produced the conference's leading scorers in back-to-back years, showcasing Jordan's emphasis on offensive development. Under Jordan's , Auburn achieved regional prominence, reaching the SEC tournament semifinals in 1942 after victories over Vanderbilt and Tulane, though they fell to eventual champion . His teams demonstrated resilience with strong defensive play and balanced scoring, turning Auburn into a formidable SEC program during the pre-war era and fostering a culture of competitiveness that laid groundwork for future success. Jordan's coaching philosophy centered on instilling deep game knowledge, qualities, and motivational techniques drawn from his own playing experience, prioritizing player fundamentals and holistic development over flashy tactics. Following , Jordan returned for the 1945–46 season, guiding Auburn to a 7–9 record and contributing to his overall Auburn mark of 95–75 across 170 games. This postwar effort helped stabilize the program amid roster transitions, reinforcing Auburn's status as a regional power in the immediate post-war years. His tenure not only boosted win totals but also enhanced the program's reputation, earning respect from peers like Kentucky's for building disciplined, competitive teams.

World War II and postwar coaching

Military service

Following the ' entry into , Ralph Jordan reactivated his reserve commission and enlisted in 1942 as a in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, assigned to the First Engineer Special Brigade, an amphibious assault unit. He underwent training in engineering and combat operations before deploying to support Allied efforts in the European and Pacific theaters. Jordan's roles involved constructing infrastructure, clearing obstacles, and facilitating troop movements during major invasions, including those in , , and . On June 6, 1944, Jordan participated in the D-Day invasion of , commanding a as part of the assault on . Fifteen minutes after his unit hit the beach, he sustained a shrapnel wound to his left arm while leading engineers in clearing mines and barriers under heavy fire. For his actions during the Normandy campaign, Jordan was awarded for his injuries and the for valor in combat. He continued serving through additional operations, including the 1945 Okinawa campaign in the Pacific. Jordan's military service interrupted his early coaching duties at , where he had been an assistant football coach and head basketball coach. He rose to the rank of major during the war and was honorably discharged in 1945, returning to civilian life thereafter.

Coaching roles at and Georgia

Following his discharge from military service in 1945, Ralph Jordan briefly served as an assistant coach for the of the (AAFC), a professional league rivaling the , during the team's inaugural and only season before it folded. In October 1946, Jordan joined the as head basketball coach and assistant football coach under head coach , where he contributed to the Bulldogs' line coaching duties supporting the program's development during a period of postwar rebuilding. His football role involved working with the defensive line, aiding Georgia's efforts in the (SEC) amid competitive regional play. As Georgia's basketball coach from 1946 to 1950, Jordan compiled an overall record of 41-28, taking over mid-season in 1946-47 to guide the team to a 2-3 finish after an initial 3-11 start under predecessor Elmer Lampe. In the 1947-48 season, he led the Bulldogs to an 18-10 record (6-8 SEC), marking a significant improvement and including notable wins that helped stabilize the program . The following year, 1948-49, Georgia finished 17-13 (6-9 SEC), with Jordan's strategies emphasizing balanced offense and defense in SEC competition. His tenure concluded in 1949-50 with a partial season of 4-2 before handing off to assistant Jim Whatley, who led the team to an 11-7 finish for an overall season record of 15-9 (6-7 SEC) and underscoring Jordan's role in fostering team resilience within the conference. Jordan departed Georgia in 1950 following recruitment by , where he had prior ties, paving the way for his return to his as head football coach in 1951.

Head football coaching career

Hiring and early successes

In 1951, sought a new head football coach after dismissing Brown following a winless 0-10 season, turning to athletic director Jeff Beard, a longtime friend of Jordan's from their college days at Auburn, to lead the search. Beard, who had recently assumed the role himself, targeted Jordan, then serving as line coach and head basketball coach at the , and successfully persuaded him to return to his with a five-year contract—longer than the standard three years—to allow time to rebuild the program. Jordan's first season in resulted in a 5-5 overall record (3-4 in the ), marking a clear turnaround from the prior year's futility and beginning to stabilize a program that had endured five consecutive losing seasons. His prior experience as an assistant coach under at Georgia provided the tactical foundation for implementing disciplined schemes that emphasized fundamentals and player development. Key early successes included narrow victories over (14-13 in 1951) and a dominant 28-0 of rival in 1954, snapping a string of losses in the and boosting team morale. By 1953, Jordan's innovations in offensive balance—featuring a potent rushing attack led by players like Billy Atkins—and a resilient defense propelled Auburn to a 7-3-1 record (4-2-1 SEC), earning a No. 17 ranking in the final and a berth in the , where they lost 13–35 to Texas Tech. This performance earned Jordan the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year honors, recognizing his role in elevating Auburn to regional prominence. The momentum carried into 1954 with an 8-3 finish (3-3 SEC), including another appearance—this time a 33-13 victory over Baylor—and a No. 13 AP ranking, solidifying the Tigers' resurgence in the conference.

Peak years and national championship

Jordan's Auburn Tigers reached their zenith in the late 1950s, culminating in the undefeated 1957 season that secured the program's sole . Despite being on NCAA that barred postseason play, the team compiled a perfect 10-0 record (7-0 in the ), shutting out six opponents and allowing just 38 points all season. Lloyd Nix orchestrated a balanced offense that averaged over 20 points per game, while fullback Billy Atkins led the scoring with multiple touchdowns, including key contributions in a 40-0 of rival in the . This victory not only clinched the SEC title but also highlighted the Tigers' defensive dominance under Jordan's disciplined scheme, earning him the SEC Coach of the Year award. The 1957 campaign built on the solid foundation Jordan established in the early 1950s, transforming Auburn into a powerhouse through rigorous training and strategic recruiting. Standout performances included a 13–0 of and a 48-7 thrashing of , showcasing the team's speed and physicality. Jordan's emphasis on fundamentals fostered a culture of resilience, with players like defensive end Tim Baker and tackle Ken Paduch anchoring a unit that permitted only three touchdowns. The recognition came after the regular season, affirming Auburn's status as the top team in the despite the bowl ban. Sustained excellence defined the era, as the Tigers posted a 9-0-1 record (6-0-1 SEC), finishing fourth in the final . The lone tie came against , but victories over and Georgia solidified Auburn's Top 20 presence throughout the late . Jordan's leadership emphasized team unity and academic integrity, intensifying rivalries like the annual clash with , where Auburn's 1957 dominance shifted the balance in the Deep South's fiercest competition. This period exemplified Jordan's vision of a program rooted in character and execution, elevating Auburn's national profile.

Later seasons and retirement

Following the peak of the late 1950s, Jordan's Auburn teams navigated a period of fluctuations during the , marked by inconsistent records amid ongoing sanctions and broader challenges in the region. Earlier NCAA probation from recruiting violations in the mid- lingered into the decade, limiting television appearances and contributing to uneven performance, with seasons ranging from a strong 9-1-1 mark in —capped by an appearance against —to sub-.500 finishes like 4-6 in 1966. These ups and downs reflected the era's competitive pressures within the SEC, where Auburn often battled for despite talent constraints. Recruiting proved particularly challenging in the late as the South grappled with in college athletics, delaying Auburn's full participation until 1970 when the program signed its first Black player, James Owens, ahead of many SEC peers. Jordan's staff focused on regional talent pools amid these transitions, which tested the program's adaptability while maintaining competitiveness; by 1969, Auburn posted an 8-2 record, and Jordan was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for his sustained contributions. He also shared SEC Coach of the Year honors in 1963, recognizing his leadership through a 9-1-1 campaign that highlighted the team's resilience. Entering the 1970s, Jordan's program rebounded with notable successes, including the 1972 season's 10-1 overall record (9–1 regular season), featuring a memorable 17-16 upset victory over in the "Punt Bama, Punt" game that propelled Auburn to the win over . This performance earned Jordan his fourth SEC Coach of the Year award. The Tigers followed with a appearance in 1974, though the decade saw continued SEC rivalries and integration-related hurdles affect depth and consistency. Jordan announced his retirement on April 8, 1975, effective at the end of that season, after 25 years as and contributing to a final 3–6–2 mark amid mounting physical demands. Auburn athletic director Aubrey Lucy named longtime Doug Barfield as his successor, ensuring a seamless transition that honored Jordan's legacy of 176 career wins.

Personal life and death

Family and marriage

Ralph Jordan married Evelyn Walker on June 11, 1937. The couple had three children: a son, James Ralph Jordan Jr., and two daughters, Susan Jordan Pilgreen and Darby Walker Jordan. The Jordan family resided in , where they established deep roots amid Jordan's extensive coaching career at . Evelyn played a key role in maintaining family stability during Jordan's frequent travels for games and recruiting, while also contributing to the community as a longtime student counselor and Panhellenic advisor at . Evelyn died on November 3, 2011, at age 98. Their daughter Susan died in July 2022 at age 83. The family's long-term ties to Auburn further shaped their personal life, fostering a and continuity.

Illness and death

In April 1980, Jordan was diagnosed with . Following his retirement five years earlier, he spent his final months in Auburn, undergoing treatment while remaining at home with his family during the four-month battle with the disease. He died there on July 17, 1980, at the age of 69, with family by his side. Jordan's funeral service was held on July 25, 1980, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. William McLemore, who noted that the large attendance served as eulogy enough. Six of his former Auburn players—Terry Beasley, Rusty Deen, Phil Gargis, Terry Henley, Rick Neel, and Pat Sullivan—served as honorary pallbearers at the graveside service. He was buried in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. The event drew over 250 attendees, with many more standing outside, including college football coaches Paul "Bear" Bryant and Vince Dooley, Alabama Governor Fob James, and U.S. Representative William Nichols. Auburn University President Hanly Funderburk granted faculty, staff, and students time off to attend the service and remarked, "The memory of Ralph Jordan will live forever in the history of Auburn and in the hearts of all those who love Auburn." In lieu of flowers, Jordan's family requested contributions to the Foundation's Shug Jordan Fund.

Coaching record

Football

Ralph Jordan compiled a head coaching record of 176 wins, 83 losses, and 6 ties at Auburn University from 1951 to 1975, achieving a .665 winning percentage. His teams appeared in 12 bowl games, posting a 5-7 record. In Southeastern Conference play, Auburn recorded 99 wins, 61 losses, and 6 ties under Jordan. Jordan's teams achieved an undefeated season in 1957. The 1957 squad finished 10-0 overall and was recognized as national champions by the Associated Press. The following table summarizes Jordan's year-by-year record:
YearOverall RecordConference Record (SEC)Bowl Game
19515-5-02-5-0None
19522-8-00-7-0None
19537-3-14-2-1Gator Bowl (L, 13-35 vs Texas Tech)
19548-3-04-3-0Gator Bowl (W, 33-13 vs Baylor)
19558-2-15-1-1Gator Bowl (L, 13-25 vs Vanderbilt)
19567-3-04-3-0None
195710-0-07-0-0None
19589-0-15-0-1None
19597-3-04-3-0None
19608-2-05-2-0None
19616-4-04-3-0None
19626-3-14-2-1None
19639-2-06-1-0Orange Bowl (L, 7-13 vs Nebraska)
19646-4-03-4-0None
19655-5-13-3-1Liberty Bowl (L, 7-13 vs Ole Miss)
19664-6-01-5-0None
19676-4-03-3-0None
19687-4-05-2-0Sun Bowl (W, 34-10 vs Arizona)
19698-3-05-2-0Bluebonnet Bowl (L, 7-36 vs Houston)
19709-2-06-1-0Gator Bowl (W, 35-28 vs Ole Miss)
19719-2-05-1-0Sugar Bowl (L, 22-40 vs Oklahoma)
197210-1-06-1-0Gator Bowl (W, 24-3 vs Colorado)
19736-6-03-4-0Sun Bowl (L, 17-34 vs Missouri)
197410-2-04-2-0Gator Bowl (W, 27-3 vs Texas)
19754-6-11-4-1None
Note: Conference records are included where Auburn competed in SEC play; 1951-1952 records reflect partial or transitional conference alignment. The 1975 season was adjusted by the NCAA to 4-6-1 from an initial 3-6-2.

Basketball

Ralph Jordan served as head coach of the team from 1933 to 1942 and again in 1945–1946, compiling an overall record of 95 wins and 75 losses, for a of .559. During this period, Auburn competed in the (SEC), where Jordan's teams achieved a conference record of 61–56 (.521). His squads posted notable seasons, including a 16–6 mark in 1938–39 and a 14–5 record in 1937–38, though the Tigers did not qualify for any postseason tournaments. In 1946, Jordan transitioned to the as head basketball coach while serving as an assistant football coach, holding the position through 1950. At Georgia, he recorded 41 wins and 28 losses overall, yielding a .594 . Jordan's Bulldogs also played in the SEC, posting a combined conference record of 22–33 (.400) across his tenure, with his best campaign being an 18–10 finish in 1947–48. Like at Auburn, Georgia did not advance to national tournaments under his leadership. Across his combined head coaching career at Auburn and Georgia spanning 14 seasons, Jordan amassed 136 wins and 103 losses, for an overall winning percentage of .569. His teams demonstrated consistent competitiveness in SEC play, emphasizing balanced scoring and defensive fundamentals, though they never captured a conference title or tournament berth.

Legacy and honors

Awards and recognitions

Jordan was named National Coach of the Year in 1957 following Auburn's undefeated season and national championship. He received the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year award four times, in 1953, 1957 (shared with Wade Walker), 1963 (shared with Paul Davis), and 1972. Jordan was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1969 as part of its inaugural class. In 1982, two years after his death, he was posthumously enshrined in the for his contributions to the sport.

Tributes and enduring impact

In 1973, renamed its football stadium Jordan-Hare Stadium to honor Ralph "Shug" Jordan, the first active coach in the United States to receive such a distinction while still serving in that role; the facility had previously been known as Cliff Hare Stadium since 1949, and the dual naming also recognizes Clifford Hare's contributions as an early athletic director. Auburn athletics established the Shug Jordan Award to recognize outstanding senior student-athletes, an honor first presented in the post-Jordan era and continuing annually to embody his emphasis on leadership and excellence in sports and academics. Jordan's tenure profoundly shaped Auburn's football culture through his commitment to disciplined play and team unity, fostering traditions like the "" chant that remain central to fan identity. He also intensified the rivalry with by coining the term "" in the 1960s, drawing from Birmingham's industrial heritage to underscore the game's fierce, unyielding competition. Additionally, Jordan advanced integration in Southern by recruiting James Owens as Auburn's first Black scholarship player in 1969, a pivotal step that preceded 's desegregation by a year and helped normalize diversity in SEC programs amid broader civil rights changes. Recent reflections on Jordan's multifaceted legacy include a 2024 Auburn University alumni article highlighting his early success as coach from 1934 to 1942, where he achieved a 74-35 record and led the Tigers to their first tournament title in 1937, crediting him with laying foundational strategies for the program's growth. In 2025, the 81st anniversary of D-Day prompted commemorations of Jordan's service as a combat engineer paratrooper who landed on , with Fraternity—Jordan's own chapter—publishing tributes to his heroism and the Auburn Creed copy he carried into battle. Jordan's broader influence on Southern endures through his model of ethical , marked by a scandal-free 25-year career at Auburn that prioritized player development and institutional integrity over shortcuts, setting a standard for future SEC leaders in an era of evolving and social progress.

References

  1. https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/ralph-shug-jordan/
  2. https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Ralph_Jordan
  3. https://www.cfbhall.com/inductees/shug-jordan-1982/
  4. https://auburnhistorytoday.com/people/shug-jordan/
  5. https://alabamanewscenter.com/2019/10/06/on-this-day-in-alabama-history-auburn-renamed-stadium-in-honor-of-football-coach-shug-jordan/
  6. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/coaches.html
  7. https://auburntigers.com/football-auburn-in-the-college-football-hall-of-fame
  8. https://auburntigers.com/news/2017/09/22/irish-war-eagles
  9. https://diglib.auburn.edu/auburnhistory/roaring20s.htm
  10. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/coaches/ralph-jordan-1.html
  11. https://alumni.auburn.edu/2024/11/11/shug-jordan-auburn-basketball-coach/
  12. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/auburn/men/1942.html
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/auburn/men/1946.html
  14. https://www.thetachi.org/theta-chi-honors-heroes-of-d-day
  15. https://www.al.com/news/2016/06/d-day_plus_72_alabamas_connect.html
  16. https://georgiadogs.com/news/2009/2/13/Past_and_Present_Assistant_Coaches
  17. https://georgiadogs.com/documents/download/2021/1/14/20_mbb_history_season_results.pdf
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/georgia/men/1948.html
  19. https://auburntigers.com/news/2017/09/29/jordan-era-of-auburn-football
  20. https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/04/end-of-an-era-50-years-ago-auburns-ralph-shug-jordan-announced-he-was-stepping-down.html
  21. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/1951-schedule.html
  22. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/1954-schedule.html
  23. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ralph-jordan-1.html
  24. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/1953-schedule.html
  25. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/1957.html
  26. https://www.al.com/sports/2017/11/auburns_1957_national-champion.html
  27. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/auburn/1957-schedule.html
  28. https://www.al.com/sports/2017/02/sec_footballs_notable_ncaa_cas.html
  29. https://tomshanahan.report/2024/04/the-souths-1960s-timeline-made-college-football-integration-a-fait-accompli-by-1970/
  30. https://cdn.zephyrcms.com/1fafc104-b46f-4cdd-a386-7bb8cd6ed67b/-/inline/yes/2018-19-james-ralph-shug-jordan-award-application.pdf
  31. https://www.alfca.com/post/doug-barfield
  32. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Jordan-11989
  33. https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/evelyn-jordan-obituary?id=20116932
  34. https://www.wsfa.com/story/15964701/legendary-au-coach-shug-jordans-widow-dies-at-98/
  35. https://www.al.com/sports/2011/11/funeral_services_today_for_eve.html
  36. https://sports.yahoo.com/shug-jordans-daughter-susan-pilgreen-040100203.html
  37. https://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/news/e-journey/archive/2011/Dec2011/
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/1980/07/18/archives/ralph-shug-jordan-dead-at-69-coached-football-at-auburn-a-colorful.html
  39. https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2014/06/06/coach-helped-gain-bigger-victory-shug-jordan/10052535/
  40. https://content.lib.auburn.edu/digital/collection/plainsman/id/2542
  41. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10231/ralph-jordan
  42. https://auburntigers.com/football-coaching-history
  43. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/auburn/men/index.html
  44. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/georgia/men/index.html
  45. https://ashof.org/inductees/shug-jordan/
  46. https://www.al.com/sec/2024/09/the-story-behind-all-16-sec-football-stadium-names.html
  47. https://auburntigers.com/news/2025/04/12/auburn-wraps-up-a-great-spring-with-a-day-presented-by-golden-flake
  48. https://www.al.com/sports/2012/04/neiko_thorpe_presented_with_sh.html
  49. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/2023/11/25/alabama-auburn-iron-bowl-nickname-history-college-football/71664407007/
  50. https://alumni.auburn.edu/2019/11/19/an-experiment-that-had-to-work/
  51. https://www.thetachi.org/theta-chi-remembers-d-day-2025
  52. https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/columnists/al-benn/2016/11/14/shug-jordan-force-battlefield-football-field/93613678/
  53. https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/integration-of-college-athletics/
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