History of the University of Michigan Football

First Intercollegiate Win

May 30, 1879

Michigan plays and wins its first intercollegiate football game against Racine College at White Stockings Park in Chicago

Marching Band Begins to Play at Football Games

Jan 1, 1896

The University of Michigan Marching Ban begins to play at football games

The Victors

Jan 1, 1898

"The Victors", Michigan's fight song, is written by Louis Elbel, a U of M student.

Wolverines

Jan 1, 1899

The nickname "Wolverines" is applied to UM football teams by the Michigan Daily Newspaper.

Fielding Yost

Jan 1, 1901

Fielding Yost begins his long career as head football coach, becoming one of the most famous coaches in history.

First Rose Bowl

Jan 1, 1902

Michigan appears in and wins the first Rose Bowl Game on January 1, beating Stanford 49-0.

Michigan Stadium

Oct 1, 1927

Michigan Stadium officially opens on October 1.

Heisman Trophy

Jan 1, 1940

Tom Harmon wins Michigan's first Heisman Trophy.

Bo Schembechler

Sep 5, 1969

Bo Schembechler begins his 20 year incredible coaching career at Michigan.

Bo Schembechler retires

Dec 31, 1989

Bo retires and posts an impressive 194-48-5 record, and 13 Big Ten Championships.

Lloyd Carr

Jan 1, 1995

Lloyd Carr is hired and compiles a 122-40 record and a national championship.

Rich Rodriguez

Jan 1, 2008

Rich Rodriguez is hired and has the Michigan team finish the season with its first losing campaign since 1967, going 3-9.

Rodriguez's Final Season

Jan 1, 2010

Rich Rodriguez's final season with Michigan is highlited by the 67-64 overtime victory over Illinois, the highest combined scoring game in Michigan history.

Brady Hoke

Jan 1, 2011

Brady Hoke is hired and in his first season leads Michigan to an 11-2 season, including a victory over rival Ohio State and Virginia Tech in the BCS Sugar Bowl.