Fred Pancoast

Who is Fred Pancoast?

Fred Pancoast is a human resources executive and former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Tampa, Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis, and Vanderbilt University, compiling a career college football record of 40–52–4.

Pancoast was born in Pensacola, Florida and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1949. He played football at the University of Tampa and was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1967. After graduating from college, he served in the United States Marine Corps and later became an educator. Pancoast also coached at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida.

From 1962 to 1963, Pancoast served as the head football coach at Tampa. From 1964 to 1969, he held the offensive coordinator position at University of Florida. He also served as the school's quarterback coach, where he coached Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Spurrier. From 1970 to 1971, he was the offensive coordinator at University of Georgia.

From 1972 to 1974, Pancoast guided Memphis to a 20–12–1 record. He didn't enjoy the same success at Vanderbilt, where he coached from 1975 to 1978. He compiled a 13–31 record there. His final seasons were disastrous, as he posted three straight 2–9 seasons