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Walter Ray Perkins (November 6, 1941 – December 9, 2020) was an American professional football coach and player. He played as a wide receiver for the University of Alabama and Baltimore Colts. He later worked as a football coach for 28 years, including stints as the head coach for the New York Giants, the University of Alabama, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Arkansas State University.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Perkins was born in Mt. Olive, Mississippi, on November 6, 1941, and moved to Petal, Mississippi, near Hattiesburg, when he was three.[1] He was known for his extraordinary work ethic as a youth in Petal, and was an All-America running back at Petal High School.[2] For four years of high school, Perkins began each day by opening the service station across the street at 6 a.m., working there during his lunch break, and then closing the station at the end the day. He earned the high school nickname "Grease" due to the condition of his clothes from work.[3]

College career

[edit]

He attended the University of Alabama, playing football from 1964 to 1966. He played for coach Bear Bryant and was a teammate of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Namath and Ken Stabler. Bryant moved Perkins from running back to receiver after Perkins suffered a serious head injury that led surgeons to drill three holes in his skull to reduce the pressure.[4]

The Crimson Tide won national championships in both 1964 and 1965, and Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in 1964, 1965, and 1966. During his senior year, he was named team captain. He was also selected as an All-American in 1966, as well as SEC Player of the Year.[2][5] Bryant called Perkins the best offensive player on the two championship teams.[3] Statistically, he had:

  • 1964: 11 catches for 139 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • 1965: 19 catches for 279 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • 1966: 33 catches for 490 yards and 7 touchdowns.[6]

Perkins was nicknamed the "Alabama Hummingbird".[2]

NFL career

[edit]

The National Football League's Baltimore Colts selected Perkins in the 7th round of the 1966 NFL draft, 110th overall.[7] The American Football League's (AFL) Boston Patriots drafted him in the 5th round of the 1966 AFL draft, 38th overall.[8] He chose to play for the Colts.

Perkins played as a wide receiver for the Colts from 1967 to 1971,[9] initially under future Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula.[10] Perkins caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas[11] in the 1970 AFC Championship Game to lead the Colts to a 27–17 victory over the Oakland Raiders and a berth in Super Bowl V.[12] Perkins went on to win a Super Bowl ring after the Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.[13]

He came to the Colts during Hall of Fame receiver Raymond Berry's final season, and learned film study from Berry. Perkins learned to read defenses from Unitas.[2] His mentors Unitas, Berry, and Shula are on the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.[14] While typically wary of inexperienced receivers, Unitas accepted Perkins as a rookie because of his skills and understanding of the game.[4]

Perkins finished his NFL career after several knee surgeries.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

After one year out of football, working in real estate, Perkins was hired as a receivers coach at Mississippi State University.[2]

Perkins next coached in the NFL as an assistant for the New England Patriots (1974–1977) and San Diego Chargers (1978) before becoming head coach of the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982.[9] In his third season, he led the Giants to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.[15] Although this would be his only winning season, he helped build the team that his successor, Hall of Famer Bill Parcells, won two Super Bowls with in 1986 and 1990. Perkins hired future NFL head coaches Parcells, Bill Belichick (member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team), and Romeo Crennel as young assistants. He was the first NFL coach for future Most Valuable Player and Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who Perkins personally scouted before selecting Taylor in the draft,[3][16] and future Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Phil Simms.[1] Parcells and Belichick consider Perkins a mentor, and Parcells has said Perkins was the only reason he was in pro football.[3][17]

When Bryant retired after the 1982 season, Perkins took on the daunting task of succeeding him at Alabama; he was hired with three games to coach for the Giants.[18] He coached the Crimson Tide for four years from 1983 to 1986, compiling a record of 32–15–1. However, he went 5–6 in 1984,[9] the school's first losing season since 1957, the year before Bryant arrived in Tuscaloosa.[19] His teams never won more than four games in SEC play. Although he went to three bowl games and won them all during his tenure,[20][21][22][23] it was far short of what Alabama fans had come to expect. Increasing pressure from boosters and alumni at Alabama made Perkins receptive to a lucrative contract offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 1986 Alabama season.[24]

Perkins served as head coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Some of his former college players got a chance to play for him in the NFL: quarterback Mike Shula, Kurt Jarvis, and linebacker Keith McCants.[25] His career coaching record in the NFL was 42–75. He never won more than five games in Tampa Bay; his tenure came during an NFL-record streak of 12 consecutive 10-loss seasons. He was fired in December of the 1990 season,[26] and replaced by his offensive coordinator, fellow Alabama alumnus Richard Williamson.[27]

Perkins returned to college coaching at Arkansas State University in 1992. After just one year, Perkins became the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, serving under Bill Parcells from 1993 to 1996, including Super Bowl XXXI.[3] He also spent 1997 with the Oakland Raiders as an offensive coordinator, a difficult season where he was in conflict with owner Al Davis.[28]

On December 20, 2011, he was introduced as the new head football coach at Jones County Junior College (JCJC) in Ellisville, Mississippi.[29] Perkins resigned from JCJC on December 24, 2013.[30] He resided in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 2014, he was said to be taking a volunteer coaching role with Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg.[31] He became a coach with the school from 2014–17.[9]

Recruitment allegations

[edit]

In 1992, former Alabama player Gene Jelks, who had been recruited by Perkins, publicly accused Alabama coaches and boosters of providing him with illegal cash payments and other inducements during his recruitment and years at Alabama (Jelks played from 1985 to 1989). Jelks's charges resulted in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) investigation of the Alabama football program. Perkins's former assistant coach Jerry Pullen sued Jelks for slander, but he lost that case and two subsequent appeals, including an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Death

[edit]

Perkins died at his home on the morning of December 9, 2020, at 79 years old.[32] He is one of at least 345 NFL players to be diagnosed after death with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by repeated hits to the head.[33][34] Ironically, after his first high school football game doctors had told him not to play football after he suffered a back injury and it was discovered he was missing a vertebra. He received similar medical advice after his first year at Alabama, when he suffered a serious head injury in practice, just before the start of his sophomore season, in a head-to-head collision with one of the team's linebackers. He did not play the season, and during treatment, three holes were drilled into his head to relieve the pressure.[2]

Honors

[edit]

Head coaching record

[edit]

College

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Alabama Crimson Tide (Southeastern Conference) (1983–1986)
1983 Alabama 8–4 4–2 T–3rd W Sun 12 15
1984 Alabama 5–6 2–4 T–7th
1985 Alabama 9–2–1 4–1–1 T–3rd W Aloha 14 13
1986 Alabama 10–3 4–2 T–2nd W Sun 9 9
Alabama: 32–15–1 14–9–1
Arkansas State Indians (NCAA Division I-A independent) (1992)
1992 Arkansas State 2–9
Arkansas State: 2–9
Total: 34–24–1

NFL

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
NYG 1979 6 10 0 .375 4th in NFC East – – – –
NYG 1980 4 12 0 .250 5th in NFC East – – – –
NYG 1981 9 7 0 .563 3rd in NFC East 1 1 .500 Lost to San Francisco 49ers in NFC Divisional Game
NYG 1982 4 5 0 .444 10th in NFC – – – –
NYG Total 23 34 0 .404 1 1 .500
TB 1987 4 11 0 .267 4th in NFC Central – – – –
TB 1988 5 11 0 .313 3rd in NFC Central – – – –
TB 1989 5 11 0 .313 5th in NFC Central – – – –
TB 1990 5 8 0 .385 2nd in NFC Central – – – –
TB Total 19 41 0 .317 – – –
Total 42 75 0 .359 1 1 .500

See also

[edit]

References

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

Ray Perkins

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ray Perkins (March 6, 1941 – December 9, 2020) was an American football player and coach renowned for his contributions at both the professional and collegiate levels. As a wide receiver, he starred at the University of Alabama from 1964 to 1966, earning All-America honors in his senior year with 33 receptions for 490 yards and seven touchdowns, while helping the Crimson Tide secure two national championships (1964 and 1965) and three Southeastern Conference titles. Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft, Perkins played five seasons with the team (1967–1971), appearing in 58 games with 93 receptions for 1,538 yards and 12 touchdowns, and participating in Super Bowl III (a loss to the New York Jets) and Super Bowl V (a victory over the Dallas Cowboys). Transitioning to coaching, Perkins began as an assistant with the in 1974 before becoming offensive coordinator for the (1976–1978). In 1979, he was named head coach of the , where he compiled a 23–34 regular-season record over four seasons (1979–1982), revitalizing the franchise by leading it to a 9–7 finish and its first playoff appearance since 1963 in 1981 (1–1 playoff record). His Giants staff included future Hall of Famers (defensive coordinator) and (special teams coordinator), laying the groundwork for the team's two wins in the 1980s under Parcells. In 1983, Perkins returned to Alabama as head coach, succeeding legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant, and also assumed the role of athletic director; he posted a 32–15–1 record over four seasons (1983–1986), including three bowl victories (1983 , 1984 , and 1986 ) and finishes of no worse than third in the SEC each year. He departed for the NFL's in 1987, serving as through 1990 with a 19–41 record, and briefly as vice president of player personnel in 1988. Later roles included at (1992, 2–9 record), assistant positions with the (1994–1996) and (1997–2000), and coaching at the junior college and high school levels, such as Jones County Junior College (2012–2013) and Oak Grove High School (2014–2017). Perkins' career accolades include induction into the Sports Hall of Fame (1990) and the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame (2005), as well as recognition as Alabama's SEC Football Legend in 2019. His overall head coaching record stood at 42–75 (.359), while his college mark was 34–24–1 (.585), reflecting a legacy of bridging player success with influential coaching tenures across multiple programs.

Early life and education

Early life

Walter Ray Perkins was born on November 6, 1941, in , to Woodrow Thomas "Woodie" Perkins, a carpenter, and Imogene "Emma" Lingle Perkins, a homemaker. As of three children, he grew up in a modest family environment, with his family relocating to Petal, a small rural suburb of Hattiesburg, when he was three years old. Perkins' early years in during the 1940s and 1950s were shaped by the socioeconomic challenges of rural , where opportunities were limited and hard work was essential for family sustenance. From the age of 14, he worked long hours at a local Sinclair gas station, opening at 6 a.m., handling rushes, and closing after practice, which helped him buy his first car—a 1955 Ford Fairlane—with assistance from the station owner. This job earned him the lifelong nickname "Grease" due to the oil and grease stains on his clothes from repairing car engines and transmissions. His initial exposure to athletics came through family encouragement and local school activities, fostering a strong that defined his youth. At Petal High School, Perkins emerged as a multi-sport standout, excelling in football, , , and track, with particular distinction in football where his speed and elusiveness led to all-state honors. These high school achievements drew the attention of college recruiters, paving the way for his future in the sport.

College career

Perkins, a standout at Petal High School in , earned a football scholarship to the despite dropping out of high school and later obtaining his GED; he enrolled as a 20-year-old in the fall of 1962. Under Paul "Bear" Bryant, Perkins transitioned from to following a severe during practice that required to relieve pressure on his . This move proved pivotal, as he became a key contributor on the Crimson Tide's offense from 1964 to 1966, playing primarily as a except for duties in 1965. During his sophomore season in 1964, Perkins recorded 11 receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown, helping Alabama to a perfect 10-0 regular season and the program's second national championship under Bryant. In 1965, despite playing tight end, he caught 19 passes for 279 yards and another touchdown as the Tide again went undefeated at 9-1-1, securing the national title via the AP poll after a scoreless tie in the Orange Bowl against Nebraska. His senior year in 1966 marked a breakout performance, with 33 receptions for 490 yards and a Southeastern Conference-leading seven touchdowns, earning him consensus All-American honors; Alabama finished 11-0 but was controversially denied a third straight title by the final polls in favor of Notre Dame. Over his three varsity seasons, the Crimson Tide compiled a 30-2-1 record, winning Southeastern Conference titles each year and two national championships. Bryant regarded Perkins as the finest offensive player on both championship teams, fostering a close mentor-protégé relationship that profoundly shaped Perkins' future coaching philosophy, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and innovative offensive strategies. As a student-athlete, Perkins balanced his academic pursuits with football demands, though specific or extracurricular activities beyond the team are not widely documented.

Professional playing career

Baltimore Colts

Ray Perkins was selected by the in the seventh round (110th overall) of the 1966 NFL Draft out of the . Although also chosen by the Boston Patriots in the AFL Redshirt Draft that year, Perkins signed with the Colts and made his professional debut as a in the 1967 season under . Over five seasons with the Colts from 1967 to 1971, Perkins appeared in 58 regular-season games, starting 25, and recorded 93 receptions for 1,538 yards and 11 touchdowns. He began as a backup to established receivers like Willie Richardson and Jimmy Orr but earned a starting role in 1970, contributing to the team's offensive efforts led by quarterback Johnny Unitas. One of his most notable performances came in the 1970 AFC Championship Game against the Oakland Raiders, where he caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Unitas in the fourth quarter to secure a 27–17 victory and advance to Super Bowl V. Perkins was a member of the Colts roster for two Super Bowl appearances, including following the 1968 season, a 16–7 loss to the , and after the 1970 season, a 16–13 win over the that earned the franchise its first Super Bowl title. His role in these games was limited as a rotational receiver, with no receptions in either contest. Plagued by recurring knee injuries that required multiple surgeries, Perkins retired from professional football at the end of the 1971 season, concluding his playing career at age 30.

Coaching career

Assistant coaching roles

Perkins began his career in 1973 as the receivers coach at under head coach Bob Tyler. This role marked his transition from professional playing to coaching, drawing on his experience as a wide receiver to emphasize technique and route precision for the Bulldogs' passing game. In 1974, Perkins joined the as wide receivers coach under head coach , a position he held through the 1977 season. During this period, he contributed to the development of the team's aerial attack, working with receivers such as Randy Vataha and rookie in 1977, who would go on to become a Patriots legend with over 10,000 career receiving yards. The Patriots achieved notable success under Fairbanks, including an 11-3 record and an title in 1976, followed by a playoff appearance where they defeated the before losing to the in the divisional round; Perkins' focus on player fundamentals helped elevate the offense to rank among the league's better units that year. Perkins moved to the in 1978 as under , implementing elements of the innovative "" system that revolutionized NFL passing offenses. He worked closely with quarterback and receivers like Hall of Famer , as well as rookie John Jefferson, who led the NFL with 1,001 receiving yards and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors under Perkins' guidance. The finished 9-7 that season, a turnaround from prior years, with their offense averaging over 22 points per game and showcasing explosive plays that set the stage for future contention. Throughout these assistant roles, Perkins developed a coaching philosophy rooted in the discipline and fundamentals he learned from during his playing days at , prioritizing execution, preparation, and a no-nonsense approach to instill accountability in players transitioning to professional demands. This emphasis on core techniques, informed by his own receiver background, proved instrumental in player growth and team cohesion across college and NFL levels.

New York Giants head coach

Ray Perkins was hired as the head coach of the New York Giants in February 1979 by general manager George Young, who had previously worked with Perkins during their time with the Baltimore Colts, where Perkins played wide receiver and Young served as a scout. This marked Perkins' first head coaching position in the NFL, coming at age 37 after a rapid rise through assistant roles with the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers. The Giants, mired in mediocrity with back-to-back losing seasons under John McVay, viewed Perkins as a disciplined, hardworking leader capable of revitalizing a franchise that had not reached the playoffs since 1963 and was seeking to restore fan interest in a struggling organization. Over four seasons from 1979 to 1982, Perkins compiled a 23-34 regular-season record with the Giants, including a 6-10 finish in his debut year, a 4-12 mark in 1980, a breakthrough 9-7 campaign in 1981, and a 4-5 record in the strike-shortened 1982 season. His tenure emphasized building through the draft and free agency, with key selections including linebacker as the No. 2 overall pick in 1981 and running back Joe Morris in the second round of 1982, alongside the development of existing talents like linebacker , who anchored the defense during Perkins' time. Perkins implemented a in collaboration with offensive coordinator , focusing on a balanced attack with emphasis on the run game, short passes, and multiple formations to exploit defensive alignments, which laid foundational elements for future Giants schemes. The highlight of Perkins' Giants tenure came in 1981, when the team clinched their first playoff berth in 18 years with a 9-7 record, secured on the final day of the season. In the NFC Wild Card game, the Giants upset the defending NFC champion 27-21 at , with quarterback throwing two touchdown passes and the defense forcing key turnovers. Their postseason run ended the following week with a 38-24 loss to the in the divisional round, but the achievement signaled progress under Perkins' leadership amid ongoing challenges, including reported tensions with ownership over roster decisions and team direction. Facing mounting pressure after the inconsistent 1982 season, Perkins resigned on December 16, 1982, to accept the head coaching position at the , succeeding legendary coach . His departure paved the way for to take over, and while the Giants had not yet become contenders, Perkins' emphasis on drafting defensive talent and instilling professionalism contributed to the foundation of the team's 1986 success.

Alabama head coach

Perkins was hired as head coach and athletic director of the in December 1982, succeeding legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant following his retirement after the 1982 season, a move that placed immense pressure on Perkins as an Alabama alumnus tasked with upholding the program's storied tradition. Over four seasons from 1983 to 1986, Perkins compiled a 32-15-1 record, guiding the Crimson Tide to three bowl victories: a 28-7 win over in the 1983 , a 24-3 triumph against the in the 1985 , and a 28-6 victory over the in the 1986 . Among his key achievements, Perkins recruited and began developing standout players such as linebacker , a future Hall of Famer and star whom he signed in the 1985 recruiting class and who debuted as a freshman in 1986 under his guidance. The program faced significant challenges in the post-Bryant era, including a 5-6 record in 1984—the Crimson Tide's first losing season since 1958—that fueled fan and booster dissatisfaction amid the transition to modernized offensive schemes influenced by Perkins' prior NFL experience with the . During the mid-1980s, the Alabama football program underwent NCAA investigations into allegations of improper benefits provided to recruits, including claims by former player Gene Jelks of receiving cash and other inducements from 1985 to 1989; Perkins denied personal involvement in any violations and cooperated with probes, which resulted in no major sanctions against him or the program during his tenure. Perkins resigned from Alabama in December 1986 to pursue an NFL head coaching opportunity with the , where he served as both coach and under a lucrative contract offer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach

Ray Perkins was hired as head coach and of the on December 31, 1986, shortly after leaving his position at the , where his 32-15-1 record over four seasons had drawn attention. The Buccaneers, mired in mediocrity with a 2-14 finish in 1986 and no playoff appearances since 1982, viewed Perkins' playing and coaching pedigree—including his time as an under —as a means to rebuild a perennial underachiever. Owner introduced him effusively, touting Perkins as the solution to the franchise's woes amid high expectations for a quick turnaround in a competitive NFC Central division. Perkins' tenure emphasized a defensive-oriented rebuild through the draft and intense physical preparation, transforming the roster into the NFL's youngest team by 1988 while prioritizing size, speed, and discipline. He selected safety Mark Carrier sixth overall in 1987, who became a cornerstone of the secondary with nine interceptions as a , and offensive tackle fourth overall in 1988, who anchored the line for over a decade as a selection. Perkins instituted grueling three-a-day practices and a no-nonsense approach to instill toughness, though his impersonal style strained player relations, exemplified by a altercation with offensive lineman Ron Heller during a 1987 loss in New Orleans. The 1988 and 1989 seasons showed modest progress, with 5-11 records each, but leadership lapses among the inexperienced squad prevented sustained momentum, and the team ranked near the bottom in scoring despite defensive improvements. Over four seasons, Perkins compiled a 19-41 record, starting with 4-11 in 1987 and ending 5-8 in 1990 before his midseason dismissal, marking the ' fifth straight non-winning campaign under his watch. Fan frustration boiled over with chants of "Throw Ray in the " and media scrutiny of his rigid methods, intensified by a six-game losing streak in 1990 that highlighted ongoing offensive struggles despite defensive drafts. Perkins was fired on December 3, 1990, one day after a 23-17 victory over ended the skid, as ownership cited the persistent mediocrity and inability to contend for playoffs as the primary reasons for the change, with assistant named interim coach.

Later head coaching and assistant roles

After leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 1990 season, Perkins returned to the collegiate level as head coach at in 1992, a one-year stint marked by a 2-9 record. The program was in the midst of transitioning from NCAA Division I-AA to Division I-A, which brought significant challenges including limited recruiting resources, inadequate facilities, and a steep for competing against stronger opponents; the team suffered heavy defeats early in the season, scoring no points in its first three games. Perkins rejoined the in 1993 as for the under Bill Parcells, a position he held through the 1996 season. In this role, he implemented the Erhardt-Perkins offensive system—a flexible, personnel-based scheme emphasizing route concepts and play-calling tendencies that he had co-developed during his earlier assistant tenure with the Patriots in the 1970s—which contributed to the team's improvement, including a 10-6 record and playoff appearance in 1994 and an 11-5 mark en route to in 1996. In 1997, Perkins served as for the under Art Shell, focusing on quarterback development with veteran Jeff Hostetler as the starter; however, the team struggled to a 4-12 finish amid offensive inconsistencies and injuries. He continued adapting elements of his established scheme but faced challenges integrating with the Raiders' run-heavy philosophy. Perkins concluded his NFL career with the , coaching tight ends in 1999 and running backs in 2000 under head coaches Chris Palmer and , respectively; the Browns posted losing records of 5-11 and 3-13 during those seasons, reflecting broader team rebuilding efforts. Following the 2000 season, at age 59, Perkins retired from professional coaching after more than 25 years in the and college ranks, occasionally returning later in life as head coach at Jones County Junior College (2012–2013) and as a volunteer assistant at Oak Grove High School (2014–2017) before fully stepping away.

Death and legacy

Death

Ray Perkins died on December 9, 2020, at his home in , at the age of 79, from heart-related complications. He had been dealing with health issues in his retirement years, including struggles with heart problems as noted by his family. Perkins was survived by his wife, Lisa, and their four children: sons Tony and Mike, and daughters Rachael and Shelby, along with grandchildren. His daughter Rachael confirmed the death to media outlets shortly after it occurred. The issued a statement expressing deep sadness, with Greg Byrne noting Perkins' role as a great ambassador for the program and recalling a recent visit where Perkins had reflected on his time there. Head coach described Perkins as a "really good friend" and praised his contributions to football both as a player and coach. In the NFL, tributes came from former colleagues, including New England Patriots head coach , who credited Perkins with giving him a life-changing opportunity as a special teams coach with the in 1979; Belichick called it "a great opportunity" that shaped his career. Giants owner remembered Perkins as a "very good coach" who improved the team and assembled a strong staff, while current Giants coach Joe Judge highlighted his mentorship and impact on the organization. Funeral services were private due to restrictions, with a visitation held from noon to 2 p.m. on December 14, 2020, at in Tuscaloosa, followed by a brief service. Perkins was interred at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park that same day. Media coverage of Perkins' death was widespread, with outlets like , , and AL.com emphasizing his legacy as a pioneering figure in football, from his playing days with the to his head coaching stints with the Giants, , and , and noting his influence on future Super Bowl-winning coaches.

Honors and awards

During his playing career at the , Perkins earned consensus All-American honors as a in 1966, along with SEC Player of the Year recognition that same year. He later contributed to the ' success in the , including a key 68-yard touchdown reception in the 1970 that helped secure their advancement to , where they defeated the to claim the championship. As at from 1983 to 1986, Perkins was selected as the Crimson Tide's representative for the 2019 class of SEC Football Legends, acknowledging his role in maintaining the program's competitive standards following Paul "Bear" Bryant's retirement. His tenure included leading the team to victories in three bowl games, earning praise from successors like , who credited Perkins with stabilizing football during a transitional period and described him as an "outstanding competitor" he had recruited during his own time on the staff. Perkins received multiple Hall of Fame inductions recognizing his contributions as both player and coach. He was enshrined in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, honoring his All-American collegiate performance and leadership in seasons. In 1998, he was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his roots as a native of the state and his broader impact on the sport. Perkins was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005, reflecting his extensive involvement in the event as a coach and his influence on professional player development.

College

Ray Perkins compiled an overall college head coaching record of 34–24–1 in 59 games, for a winning percentage of .585.
YearTeamOverallConferenceFinishBowl/Postseason
1983Alabama8–4–04–2–0 (SEC)3rdW 28–7 vs. SMU (Sun)
1984Alabama5–6–02–5–0 (SEC)7th—
1985Alabama9–2–15–1–1 (SEC)T–2ndW 24–3 vs. USC (Aloha)
1986Alabama10–3–06–2–0 (SEC)3rdW 28–6 vs. Washington (Sun)
1992Arkansas State2–9–0— (Ind.)——
Alabama totals: 32–15–1 (17–10–1 SEC). Arkansas State totals: 2–9–0.

NFL

Perkins' overall NFL head coaching record was 43–76 in 119 games (42–75 regular season, 1–1 postseason), for a winning percentage of .361.
YearTeamRegular SeasonPostseasonDivision Finish
19796–10–0—4th ()
19804–12–0—5th ()
19819–7–01–13rd ()
19824–5–0—4th ()
19874–11–0—4th (NFC Central)
19885–11–0—3rd (NFC Central)
19895–11–0—5th (NFC Central)
19905–8–0—3rd (NFC Central)*
*Perkins was fired after 13 games in 1990; team finished 6–11 under interim coach. New York Giants totals: 23–34–0 regular season (1–1 postseason). Tampa Bay Buccaneers totals: . Notes: The was shortened to 9 games due to a players' strike. The 1981 Giants lost in the NFC Divisional Playoff to the . No ties or forfeits in Perkins' tenures.

References

  1. https://rolltide.com/news/2020/12/9/football-former-alabama-coach-ad-and-all-american-ray-perkins-has-passed-away
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PerkRa00.htm
  3. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PerkRa0.htm
  4. https://www.giants.com/news/former-giants-coach-ray-perkins-passes-away-at-79
  5. https://nypost.com/2020/12/09/ray-perkins-is-the-man-who-made-bill-parcells-possible/
  6. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219560495/ray-perkins
  7. https://www.al.com/sports/2020/12/former-alabama-coach-ray-perkins-to-be-buried-monday-in-tuscaloosa.html
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/sports/football/ray-perkins-dead.html
  9. https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2021/html/SC/SC0512PS.htm
  10. https://mississippitoday.org/2020/12/10/ray-perkins-was-known-as-grease-in-petal-before-he-became-a-national-football-celebrity/
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/23/archives/a-football-workaholic-walter-ray-perkins-man-in-the-news.html
  12. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/12/you-always-knew-where-you-stood-former-players-teammates-reflect-on-ray-perkins.html
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/03/sports/perkins-gets-job-done.html
  14. https://www.si.com/college/alabama/football/alabama-football-crimson-tide-legend-ray-perkins
  15. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ray-perkins-2.html
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/1964.html
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1960-1969.html
  18. https://ashof.org/inductees/ray-perkins/
  19. https://vault.si.com/vault/1970/09/21/american-east
  20. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/11/08/catching-up-with-ray-perkins/
  21. https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/p/perk02200.html
  22. https://americanfootballdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Ray_Perkins
  23. https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Ray_Perkins
  24. https://www.patspulpit.com/2020/12/13/22171310/ray-perkins-influence-new-england-patriots-bill-belichick
  25. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/10/sports/ray-perkins-played-key-part-patriots-history/
  26. https://msfame.com/inductees/walter-perkins/
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/23/archives/ray-perkins-takes-over-as-11th-head-coach-of-giants-was-charger.html
  28. https://www.riverregionsports.com/stories/former-bama-coach-perkins-remembered-as-innovator-of-offense
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/16/sports/perkins-to-succeed-bryant-as-alabama-coach.html
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/23/archives/always-hire-a-guy-you-know-sports-of-the-times.html
  31. https://bigblueinteractive.com/2016/11/17/climbing-mountain-new-york-giants-1979-1985/
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/1981_draft.htm
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/1982_draft.htm
  34. https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/erhardt-perkins-system-part-2/
  35. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/12/28/Coach-Ray-Perkins-Monday-labeled-his-surprising-club-the/6731378363600/
  36. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ray-perkins-2.html
  37. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2025/06/looking-back-at-when-first-year-alabama-football-coach-made-clean-break-from-legendary-predecessor.html
  38. https://patch.com/alabama/tuscaloosa/youngin-could-play-coaches-remember-life-derrick-thomas
  39. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2010/07/25/ray-perkins-bio/28351282007/
  40. https://vault.si.com/vault/1984/10/15/its-ebb-tide-and-the-fans-are-restless
  41. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/13/sports/pro-football-alabama-payments-alleged.html
  42. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-01-sp-1566-story.html
  43. https://www.bucpower.com/headcoach-perkins.htm
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/01/sports/sports-people-perkins-to-tampa-bay.html
  45. https://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories/buccaneers
  46. https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/6/27/5842996/season-by-season-history-of-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1987
  47. https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/6/28/5847856/season-by-season-history-of-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1988
  48. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1987.htm
  49. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1988.htm
  50. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1990.htm
  51. https://www.deseret.com/1990/12/3/18894362/bucs-fire-perkins-as-coach
  52. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/04/sports/perkins-let-go-by-buccaneers.html
  53. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas-state/1992.html
  54. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-29-sp-2090-story.html
  55. https://howlraiser.com/2020/12/09/let-us-bow-our-heads-to-arkansas-states-original-one-and-done-head-football-coach/
  56. https://www.nfl.com/news/former-giants-buccaneers-hc-ray-perkins-dies-at-age-79
  57. https://jcbobcats.com/news/2020/12/9/football-former-bobcat-head-coach-ray-perkins-passes-away.aspx
  58. https://abc3340.com/news/local/former-alabama-coach-ray-perkins-passes-away
  59. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30483652/former-alabama-football-coach-ray-perkins-dies-79
  60. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/12/nick-saban-remembers-ray-perkins-as-really-good-friend.html
  61. https://www.patriots.com/news/bill-belichick-statement-on-ray-perkins
  62. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/12/bill-belichick-recalls-life-changing-hire-by-ray-perkins.html
  63. https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/12/giants-bill-parcells-joe-judge-john-mara-remember-former-head-coach-ray-perkins-who-died-wednesday-at-79.html
  64. https://www.wtvy.com/2020/12/12/funeral-arrangements-announced-for-former-alabama-head-coach-ray-perkins/
  65. https://www.wdam.com/2020/12/11/funeral-arrangements-made-former-jc-football-coach-ray-perkins/
  66. https://rolltide.com/news/2019/9/26/football-fb-sec-legend.aspx
  67. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/12/gene-stallings-paul-finebaum-reminisce-about-ray-perkins.html
  68. https://msfame.com/ray-perkins-having-big-fun-at-age-71/
  69. https://rolltide.com/news/2005/1/14/Ray_Perkins_Tabbed_to_Senior_Bowl_Hall_of_Fame.aspx
  70. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/1983-schedule.html
  71. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/1984-schedule.html
  72. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/1985-schedule.html
  73. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/1986-schedule.html
  74. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas-state/1992-schedule.html
  75. https://www.footballdb.com/coaches/ray-perkins-perkira02
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