Photo Legend: Don James

When Don James graduated from the University from Miami, he held five of the school’s passing records. However, by the time he was done with football, James would be forever linked with a program on the opposite corner of the country.

In 1971, James returned to his Ohio roots to coach at Kent State. While he was only there for four years, he was able to serve as an influence to both Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel, who both played under him.

However, James is best known for his years at the University of Washington. While at Washington, James went to fourteen bowl games, and won ten. James won six Pac-10 titles and four Rose Bowls, but one stood above the rest. In 1991, James rode the backs of Mark Brunell, Billy Joe Hobert, and Steve Emtman to a 34-14 victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl and a National Championship.

Only Rick Neuheisel has approached the level of success at Washington regularly achieved by James. However, the recent Seattle Times report has left a cloud over those successful teams. At the moment, Washington fans have to wonder if, and when, their Huskies will return to the promised land.