University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2004
Dick MacPherson took over the helm of the Minutemen from Vic Fusia in 1971, and proceeded to lead UMass to four Yankee Conference championships during his seven-year tenure.
Between 1971 and 1977, MacPherson compiled a 45-27-1 record and led UMass to its only postseason bowl victory. MacPherson's 1972 squad, featuring receivers Tim Berra and Steve Schubert, and Peil Pennington at quarterback, defeated the University of California at Davis, 35-14, in the 1972 Boardwalk Bowl.
His squads also posted a 28-8-1 mark in Yankee Conference games, with his .778 league winning percentage still ranking as the fifth-best in conference history.
After leaving UMass, MacPherson went on to a successful tour with Syracuse (1981-1990), leading the Orangemen to five postseason bowls, including his undefeated 1987 squad's Sugar Bowl appearance. He also had a two-year stint as head coach of the New England Patriots (1991-1992).
He was inducted in the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.
