Legendary Syracuse Football Coach Dick MacPherson to Join Ring of Honor
In a move that celebrates the legacy of one of Syracuse University’s most iconic figures, legendary football coach Dick “Coach Mac” MacPherson will be inducted into the prestigious Ring of Honor at the JMA Wireless Dome this November. The announcement comes as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated over a decade of his life to building the Orange football program into a national powerhouse.
MacPherson, who led the Syracuse team from 1981 to 1990, compiled an impressive record of 66-46-4, including three bowl game victories. His most memorable season came in 1987, when he guided the Orange to an undefeated 11-0 regular season and a Sugar Bowl tie against Auburn. For his efforts, MacPherson was named national coach of the year by 12 different organizations, including the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.
But Coach Mac’s impact extended far beyond the gridiron. He was known for his unwavering commitment to mentoring student-athletes and his deep devotion to serving the Syracuse community. To honor his legacy of compassion, the University will also be renaming the Hendricks Chapel food pantry as the Coach Mac Food Pantry, ensuring that his spirit of generosity lives on.
“Coach Mac was much more than a football coach. He was everything to everyone, including his family, our community, our football program and college football,” said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “Coach Mac built our football program back to national prominence and did so with an emphasis on developing each student-athlete as a person and a player. He impacted countless lives in the process and we are all grateful for his contributions to Syracuse.”
MacPherson’s daughters, Maureen and Janet, expressed their gratitude for the honor, stating, “Our father would be so deeply thrilled by being included in the Ring of Honor, as well as having the food pantry named after him. As the 11th of 12 children born in the great depression, he knew something about hard times. He also knew what a gift the good times are, starting with the day he got the job here at Syracuse University. He and our whole family immediately came to love the great Syracuse University and the entire community, which is why we all made it our forever home. Thank you for this wonderful honor, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Coach Mac’s induction into the Ring of Honor, alongside other legendary figures like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little, serves as a testament to his enduring impact on Syracuse University and the sport of football. As the Orange faithful gather to celebrate his legacy on November 23rd, they will undoubtedly be reminded of the power of dedication, mentorship, and service in shaping the lives of young athletes and the communities they represent.
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