Bob Tyler (2020) - Hall of Fame

Bob Tyler

Induction:
2020
Class:
1978

Bob Tyler is a former head coach of Mississippi State's football team. As a former Mississippi native, he began coaching in 1966 at a small, local high school. Working his way up, he became head coach at Mississippi State University by 1973. Tyler led the Bulldog's to a victorious 9–3 season, where the team beat rival SEC school's like LSU and Georgia. Another notable coaching accomplishments include a victory in the 1974 Sun Bowl over North Carolina, as well as ending one season ranked #20 in the AP Poll.

Tyler coached in the SEC for 10 years from 1968-78, including a six-year reign as MSU's head coach. He served as both head coach and director of athletics from 1976-79, assuming the twin roles in May 1976. He was offensive coordinator for MSU in 1972 before being selected as head coach in 1973.

The 27^th head football coach in MSU history, Tyler turned in four winning seasons with the Bulldogs, including a pair of nine-win campaigns. During the 1974 season, Tyler led the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record, including SEC wins against Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and a victory over North Carolina in the Sun Bowl. That year, he was named National Churchman's Hall of Fame Coach of the Year after guiding the Bulldogs to a No. 17 final ranking and the second-best season record in program history at the time. Only the 10-0-1 mark of the 1940 team topped the 1974 results.

A native of Water Valley, Mississippi, Tyler posted an impressive 91-19-6 record over 11 years at five high schools before he came into the collegiate ranks.