Bennie Oosterbaan
Michigan's three-sport star and national championship coach
Benjamin "Bennie" Oosterbaan (February 24, 1906 – October 25, 1990) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player, and head football and basketball coach for the University of Michigan. He never played for the Detroit Lions or any professional team.
Quick Facts
- Affiliation
- University of Michigan
- Championship
- None (collegiate honors only)
- Hall of fame
- College Football Hall of Fame inductee
Lore & Background
Oosterbaan was a three-time All-American in football, two-time All-American in basketball, and an All-Big Ten selection in baseball at Michigan. He threw three touchdown passes in the dedication game of Michigan Stadium on October 22, 1927. He won a national championship as head football coach in 1948 and also won the 1951 Rose Bowl. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, not the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
Oosterbaan is best known for his multi-sport excellence at Michigan and his coaching career there. He declined professional offers due to his religious background. He served as an assistant coach for 20 years before becoming head football coach in 1948.
Did You Know?
- Oosterbaan was selected by Sports Illustrated as the fourth greatest athlete in the history of Michigan in 2003.
- He was one of the eleven greatest college football players of the first century of the game (ending in 1968).
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