Robert Hill (coach)

Robert Hill
Biographical details
Bornc. 1934
Died(2016-05-17)May 17, 2016 (aged 81)
Playing career
Football
?–1955Jackson State
1956Baltimore Colts
1956Pittsburgh Steelers
Position(s)Fullback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Football
1959–1960Magee HS (MS)
1961–1962Rowan HS (MS)
1963–1970Jackson State (assistant)
1971–1976Jackson State
Baseball
c. 1970Jackson State
Head coaching record
Overall44–15–1 (college football)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
Football
3 SWAC (1972–1973, 1975)
Awards
SWAC Coach of the Year (1971)

Robert "Big Bob" Hill (c. 1934 – May 17, 2016) was an American football and baseball coach. He served as the head football coach at Jackson State University from 1971 to 1976, compiling a record of 44–15–1. Hill's winning percentage of .742 is the second highest of any head coach in the history of the Jackson State Tigers football program. During his tenure at Jackson State, he mentored future Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Jackie Slater. Hill was fired from his post during the 1976 season and replaced by his assistant, W. C. Gorden.[1]

Hill played college football at Jackson State and was selected in the 20th round of the 1956 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. He was the first Jackson State player to sign a National Football League (NFL) contract. Hill was released by the Colts and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1956.[2] After coaching at Magee High School and Rowan High School in Mississippi, Hill joined the Jackson State football staff in 1963 and worked as an assistant under Edward Clemons, Rod Paige, and Ulysses S. McPherson. Hill also coached baseball at Jackson State.[3][4]

Hill died on May 17, 2016.[5][6]

  1. ^ "Jackson State coach relieved of duties". The Greenwood Commonwealth. Greenwood, Mississippi. United Press International. October 31, 1976. p. 14. Retrieved October 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com Open access icon.
  2. ^ "Fullback Bob Hill, Ex-Jackson College Gridder, To Steelers". The Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, Mississippi. Associated Press. August 21, 1956. p. 19. Retrieved October 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com Open access icon.
  3. ^ Morgan, Paul (September 8, 1961). "Rowan opens here tonight". Hattiesburg American. Hattiesburg, Mississippi. p. 4B. Retrieved October 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com Open access icon.
  4. ^ "Ulysses S. McPherson Is Replaced At J-State". The Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, Mississippi. December 20, 1970. p. G1. Retrieved October 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com Open access icon.
  5. ^ Morales, Antonio (May 17, 2016). "Former Jackson State football coach Bob Hill dies". The Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, Mississippi. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  6. ^ "Family, friends bid final farewell to former JSU head football Coach Bob Hill, 81". Jackson, Mississippi: Jackson State University Newsroom. May 26, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2021.