The Life of FRANCIS PEAY
Peay went 13-51-2 from 1986-91 at Northwestern. That actually marked a more successful tenure than predecessors Rick Venturi (1-31-1) and Dennis Green (10-45), both of whom went on to become head coaches in the NFL.
In 1992, the Wildcats replaced Peay with Gary Barnett. An offensive lineman, Peay played at Missouri before the Giants selected him in the first round of the 1966 NFL draft. He also played for the Packers and Chiefs during a nine-year career.Northwestern promoted him to head coach after Green left abruptly for a job with the 49ers.
Peay coached at Northwestern when the school had rock-bottom facilities but rising expectations. His friends called him “Frank.”He was not known for his humor but did come up with a clever line after being asked if he wanted to live in Missouri again.“Can’t return,” Peay replied, “too many unpaid parking tickets.”
In 1992, the Wildcats replaced Peay with Gary Barnett. An offensive lineman, Peay played at Missouri before the Giants selected him in the first round of the 1966 NFL draft. He also played for the Packers and Chiefs during a nine-year career.Northwestern promoted him to head coach after Green left abruptly for a job with the 49ers.
Peay coached at Northwestern when the school had rock-bottom facilities but rising expectations. His friends called him “Frank.”He was not known for his humor but did come up with a clever line after being asked if he wanted to live in Missouri again.“Can’t return,” Peay replied, “too many unpaid parking tickets.”