Schnellenberger was the foundation of the resurgence of the Miami football program that was considering dropping to I-AA when he arrived in 1979 but turned into one of the top programs in the sport. The Hurricanes went 6-5 in his first year before posting nine-win seasons in each of the next two seasons. A 7-4 record in 1982 was followed by an 11-1 season and the national championship in 1983. That season ended with a thrilling 31-30 win over top-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.
Legendary Miami coach Howard Schnellenberger died this morning at the age of 87
Coach Schnellenberger led The U to its first national championship win in 1983 pic.twitter.com/X7pB6SzjMv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 27, 2021
BREAKING: Legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger, who started the Miami Hurricanes dynasty, dies at 87 https://t.co/e8CcQTE43s
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) March 27, 2021