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Who are the legendary coaches in black college football?

Legendary coaches in black college football include Arnett W. “Ace” Mumford (1898–1962) of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In October 1957 he became the first black college coach to reach two hundred victories, when his team defeated Langston University of Oklahoma. Previously Mumford coached at Bishop College, Jarvis Christian College, and Texas College. Fred “Pop,” “Pops,” “Big” Long (1896–1966) followed him in reaching the two hundred victory mark. Although Alonzo Smith “Jake” Gaither (1906–1994) of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has been called the first to reach two hundred wins, it was not until 1969 that Gaither, or “the Papa Rattler,” as he was known, achieved that level. Eddie G. Robinson (1919–2007) of Grambling State, in 1990 became the first college coach of any race to win 308 games in a career.



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