Ray Mears (basketball)

For other people named Ray Mears, see Ray Mears (disambiguation).

Ray Mears
Mears from the 1967 Volunteer
Biographical details
Born(1926-11-08)November 8, 1926
Dover, Ohio, U.S.
DiedJune 11, 2007(2007-06-11) (aged 80)
Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Playing career
1946–1948Miami (OH)
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1956–1962Wittenberg
1962–1977Tennessee
Head coaching record
Overall399–135 (college)
Tournaments7–3 (NCAA College Division)
0–4 (NCAA University Division / Division I
4–2 (NIT)
0–2 (CCA/NCI)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
NCAA College Division (1961)
3 OAC regular season (1959–1961)
3 OAC tournament (1960–1962)
3 SEC regular season (1967, 1972, 1977)
Awards
2× SEC Coach of the Year (1967, 1977)

Ramon Asa Mears (November 8, 1926 – June 11, 2007)[1] was an American college basketball coach. He served as the head basketball coach at Wittenberg University from 1956 to 1962 and the University of Tennessee from 1962 to 1977. His career record of 399–135 (.747) still ranks among the top 15 all-time NCAA coaching records for those with a minimum of 10 seasons. Mears is largely regarded as the father of Tennessee Volunteers basketball, and was known for his trademark orange blazer, which he wore during games. Mears is also credited with coining the phrase "Big Orange Country."[2] Mears was born in Dover, Ohio[3] and was married to the former Dana Davis. They had three sons: Steve, Mike, and Matt. Ray Mears Boulevard in Knoxville, Tennessee, the city where he died,[4] is named for him.

  1. ^ "Ray Mears, 80, Patient Coach of Tennessee Basketball, Dies (Published 2007)". June 12, 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  2. ^ Nashville City Paper "Legendary UT coach Mears dies at 80" June 12, 2007
  3. ^ "Former Wittenberg coach, MIami U. player Mears dies". Associated Press via Dayton Daily News. June 12, 2007. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
  4. ^ "Legendary UT Coach Ray Mears Passes Away". University of Tennessee Men's Athletic Department. June 11, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2007.