Robinson, Eddie (1919-2007), was one of the most successful coaches in the history of college football. He won 408 games during his 57-year coaching career. Robinson began his coaching career in 1941 at Grambling State University (then called Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute). He coached there until his retirement in 1997. In 1985, Grambling won its 324th game under Robinson, which broke the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record held by Paul Bryant . Robinson retired with a career record of 408 victories, 165 defeats, and 15 ties. Robinson ranks third in career NCAA victories by a football coach. Only John Gagliardi and Joe Paterno won more games than Robinson.
Edward Gay Robinson was born on Feb. 13, 1919, in Jackson, Louisiana. He attended Leland College near Baker, Louisiana, from 1937 to 1941. Robinson played quarterback, fullback, and tailback on the Leland football team. Following graduation, Robinson worked in a feed mill before being hired by Grambling. He was 22 years old when he began coaching. He also served as the school’s athletic director from 1958 to 1989. His teams won or shared 17 Southwest Athletic Conference championships. More than 200 of Robinson’s players went on to play professional football. Robinson died on April 3, 2007.
