RIP Coach Frank Burns

Former Rutgers Quarterback and Head Coach Frank Burns passed away today at the age of 84. Burns was an honorable mention All American quarterback for the Knights from 1945-1948, and he threw for 2389 yards and 35 touchdowns in his career, leading the team to a 27-7 record. He was a long time assistant coach at Rutgers and he was promoted to head coach in 1973. During his 11 year tenure he went 78-43-1, and took the Scarlet Knights to their first bowl game, the 1978 Garden State Bowl.

Burns is arguably the best coach  in Rutgers football history. He oversaw the program as they upgraded from what was essentially a D1-AA program into a D1-A program, as new Rutgers President Dr. Edward J. Bloustein placed a new found emphasis on athletics and started giving out athletic scholarships. The Burns era included 8 consecutive winning seasons (5 straight of 8+ wins), an 11-0 1976 season where Rutgers finished ranked in the top 25 and had the #1 ranked scoring defense in the nation, a victory over #17 Tennessee in Knoxville during the 1979 season, and a near upset of #1 Alabama in the Meadowlands in 1980. He also possesses the highest winning percentage in school history.

My condolences go out to Burns' family and friends. May he rest in peace.