Coach Yost : Michigan's Tradition Maker

The University of Michigan’s football reputation and athletic facilities from 1901-1941 can only be described as world class. The person most responsible for building this tradition of excellence was Fielding Harris Yost, affectionately called “Hurry-up.” This son of West Virginia parents, of modest means, chose law work as an occupation and college football coaching as a hobby. The hobby eventually became his occupation, owing to the phenomenal success of his Michigan teams. The 1901-1905 elevens were undefeated in 55 straight contests, often winning by huge margins. Stepping out of legal work and into the role of Director of Athletics at Michigan, Yost inspired and guided the University’s ambitious expansion of athletics facilities. In seven years he directed the construction of Yost Field House, the Michigan Stadium, an Intramural Building, a Womens’ Athletics Building and Fields, an Ice Arena, and the University Golf Course. The slogan, “Athletics For All” became a reality at Michigan.

Coach Yost is the most complete Yost story ever written describing the Coach’s football knowledge, motivational skills, and his shaping of the tradition of excellence that became the hallmark of the University of Michigan.


“With his latest book, Coach Yost, John Behee presents Fielding Yost’s pre-Michigan coaching stops in fascinating and never-before-written detail. Why is Yost still college football’s winningest coach who lasted more than 25 years in the profession? Behee ably provides the answers.”--- John Kryk. Author of Stagg vs Yost and Natural Enemies.

Behee is the Dean of Michigan football historians. He’s back with an engaging and thoroughly researched look at coaching legend Fielding Yost.--- Brian Williams. Archivist at Bentley Historical Library

Dr. John Behee is one of the University of Michigan’s premier sports historians of the 20th century. Few know more about the early years of Michigan football than Behee. Fortunately, he has decided one more time to write about his “Meeshegan,” giving us a closer look at Fielding H. Yost that only Behee can deliver.--- Bruce Madej. Long time Sports Information Director at Michigan

John, you have hit a home run with this writing. Yost’s flaws confirm that he was human. His strengths confirm that he was an incredible leader.--- Dr. David Young. Author of Arrogance and Scheming in the Big 10 and The Student and his Professor.

John Behee’s wonderful book tells the full story of Yost’s coaching years, his ‘Point-a-Minute’ teams, and the innovative strategies that led to his success. The story of Michigan’s departure from, and return to, the Big 10 was intriguing and compelling reading for me.” --- Dr. Robert Soderstrom. Author of The Big House.