UCLA Honors Legendary Coach Terry Donahue with Commemorative Statue at the Rose Bowl
The Bruins pay tribute to Terry Donahue, the greatest UCLA football coach, with a statue unveiling at the iconic Rose Bowl.
In a heartfelt tribute to one of the most esteemed figures in college football history, the UCLA Bruins and the iconic Rose Bowl came together to honor the legendary Terry Donahue. The celebrated event took place with the unveiling of a commemorative statue at the historic Rose Bowl, a fitting testament to Coach Donahue’s extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Key Takeaways:
- Terry Donahue, the UCLA Bruins’ head coach from 1976 to 1995, boasts an illustrious career marked by numerous accolades.
- Donahue’s coaching record of 151-74-8 stands as the most wins in UCLA Bruins history, and his 98 Pac-10 (now Pac-12) victories remain unmatched.
- Beyond his impressive win record, Donahue guided the Bruins to five Pac-10 championships, three Rose Bowl victories, and secured two Pac-10 Coach of the Year titles.
Terry Donahue’s impact extended far beyond the football field. A true son of Los Angeles, he was born and raised in the City of Angels, attending the renowned Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks. Donahue’s dedication to UCLA ran deep, having also been a student-athlete at the university from 1965 to 1966.
Before ascending to the head coaching role at UCLA, Donahue contributed as an assistant coach at Kansas, focusing on defensive linemen. However, his destiny led him back to UCLA, where he served as an offensive line coach for four years, laying the groundwork for his remarkable tenure as the head coach.
This poignant moment, honoring the late great Terry Donahue, is a heartfelt acknowledgment of his profound impact on the sport and the UCLA community. Tragically, Coach Donahue passed away in 2021 following a valiant two-year battle with cancer. In a touching gesture, his wife, Andre Donahue, and family attended the ceremony, sharing the deep significance of this tribute.
“On behalf of the Terry Donahue family, we are humbled by this outpouring of support for the Terry Donahue Statue and 151 Roses Dedication,” Andrea Donahue, Terry’s wife, said. “The Rose Bowl has always played a meaningful part in our lives and provided us many opportunities and great joy. We can’t begin to express our gratitude for this iconic stadium and all the people that make it so special. It is a great honor to continue Coach Terry Donahue’s legacy so that he may continue to impact the lives of others.”
The unveiling of the commemorative statue at the Rose Bowl is a poignant reminder of Coach Terry Donahue’s enduring legacy, not only in the world of college football but in the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary career.
