CHATTANOOGA---Bill Oliver, a respected figure in college football coaching circles and former head coach of the Chattanooga Mocs football program, passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 85. His Mocs teams accumulated a 29-14-1 record, 18-7-1 in Southern Conference games.
 
Oliver's.670 winning percentage is the highest of the DI era ahead of Russ Huesman (.615), Joe Morrison (.597) and current mentor Rusty Wright (.578). He's third all-time behind Frank Thomas (.730/1925-28) and H.D. Drew (.700/1929-30). His .712 in SoCon action ranks only behind Morrison (13-3 - .812).
 
A total of 12 Mocs earned honorable mention Associated Press All-America honors in his tenure, including Mike Nease who was the SoCon's 1983 Jacob's Blocking Award Winner. There were also 15 Mocs who earned All-SoCon honors under Oliver. His teams finished as runner-up in the SoCon standings in both 1980 and 1982 and never won fewer than seven games.
 
"Saddened to hear the news about Brother Oliver," Wright shared. "I had a few opportunities as a young coach to visit with him and was almost amazed at what a defensive mind he had. His legacy on Chattanooga football will stand the test of time. Our prayers are with his family."
 
Beyond Chattanooga, Oliver enjoyed a distinguished coaching career that spanned several decades, including prominent roles at Auburn, Alabama, and Clemson, where he was widely regarded for his defensive expertise.
 
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