Charley Pell

The Albertville native went to the University of Alabama as a 180-pound halfback who had played only one season at Albertville High School. He wound up starting three years for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at offensive and defensive tackle (1960-1962) and was a member of the Crimson Tide’s 1961 National Championship team. He also played in the Orange, Sugar and Bluebonnet bowls.

In December 1968, Pell became the youngest head coach and athletic director in the country as he took over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at the age of 27. Pell’s 1970 Gamecocks finished second in the nation while posting a 10-0 record and defeating Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic.

Charley moved on to become assistant head coach at Virginia Tech and Clemson. In 1977, he was named head coach at Clemson and posted an 8-3-1 record with a Gator Bowl trip. In 1978, the Tigers went 10-1, capturing the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and another trip to the Gator Bowl. Pell was named ACC Coach of the Year both years.

From 1979 to 1983 found Pell at the helm of the Florida Gators compiling a 32-24-3 record. The 1980 Gators won eight and lost four. For this achievement, Pell was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year. The 1983 team finished 9-2-1 including a defeat of Iowa in the Gator Bowl. Other bowl games for Charley and the Gators were the Citrus, Peach and Bluebonnet bowls.

Charley Pell’s overall head coaching record was 84-43-5 (Jacksonville State, Clemson and Florida).