Bob Woodruff has had one steady companion in his various careers as player, coach, and administrator: success. Woodruff left Georgia in 1935 to enroll at UT, where he was a stellar tackle on General Neyland’s teams of 1936 to 1938. During those three seasons, the Vols went 23-5-2. After receiving an engineering degree, he served as assistant to Neyland for two years before a stint in the army, during which time he was an assistant football coach at West Point. Woodruff then went back home, where he was a line coach at Georgia Tech in 1946. His first head coaching opportunity came the following year at Baylor University. In 1950 Woodruff went to the University of Florida as head football coach and athletic director. During his ten years at Florida, his football teams posted a record of 54-42-6. After leaving Florida, Woodruff returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach before being elevated to the post of athletic director, a title he would hold for twenty-two years. A thoughtful and positive leader who acted only after a thorough examination of all the factors, Woodruff’s strong character and leadership abilities were reflected in the success of all of UT’s athletic programs during his tenure. Perhaps Roy Kramer, former Vanderbilt athletic director, said it best: “Bob Woodruff is a man who stands for all that is good and right. Bob Woodruff has sent far more into our lives than we will ever send into his.”
