WEST POINT, N.Y., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- After a winless season, Army has a new field general with plenty of stripes -- Bobby Ross, who guided the San Diego Chargers to the Super Bowl.
Ross has not coached since 2000 with the Detroit Lions and turns 67 this month. But he still decided to take on the challenge of turning around Army, which became the first team in NCAA history to finish 0-13 after losing to Navy, 34-6 on Saturday.
Army first courted Frank Solich after he was fired by Nebraska. But after Solich rejected the offer, the Cadets turned to Ross.
Known as a strict disciplinarian, Ross appears to be a perfect fit at West Point. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute and also coached The Citadel, a military school, from 1973-77.
After compiling a 94-76-2 record as a college coach, Ross was hired by the Chargers in 1992 and led them to the Super Bowl in 1995 -- their only such appearance.
Fired by the Chargers following the 1996 season, Ross was hired by the Lions in 1997 and guided them to the playoffs in his first year. Ross resigned as Lions coach nine games into the 2000 season. His NFL record was 77-68.
Army fired coach Todd Berry on Oct.13 after an 0-6 start. The Cadets then went 0-7 under interim coach John Mumford.
