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WATCH: Michigan football shares emotional tribute video to former coach Gary Moeller

by: Austin Brezina07/12/22AustinBrezina59
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Photo by Andrew Hancock /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Following the news that former Michigan head coach Gary Moeller had passed away, Michigan football shared a tribute video to the late coach. Moeller was a member of the Michigan coaching staff for 23 years, including five years as head coach of the Wolverines from 1990-94.

Michigan shares tribute to Gary Moeller

The video opens with a look at a plaque at Michigan in honor of Moeller with his profile emblazoned on the metal. While the video shares clips of Moeller’s time on Michigan’s sidelines, the audio played over the top came from an inspirational locker room speech delivered by the coach himself.

“When you dedicate yourself to something, you fall behind and you come back — that’s what life’s about. The ups and downs. You gotta believe.”

The tribute ends with a final quote from Moeller played over the top, perfectly capturing how he put Michigan and his players ahead of everything else.

“If it’s not in the best interest of the student-athlete, why do it?”

Moeller’s coaching career

Moeller was one of only 11 coaches in school history to remain with the program for more than 20 years, and his success was immediate as head coach. Moeller won the Big Ten title in his first season as coach. The Wolverines went on to win four bowl games under Moeller during his five years as head coach, and posted a 44-13-3 record. Michigan finished in the top 20 in national polling for all five years of his tenure as head coach, and won the 1993 Rose Bowl against Washington.

The Wolverines also set a Big Ten record under Moeller when they won 19 consecutive conference games spanning from 1990 through 1992.

Moeller began his coaching career with Michigan in 1969 as a defensive ends coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1973. Under Moeller as leader of the defense, Michigan led the nation in scoring defense in 1974 and 1976.