Hall of Fame
Bill Spellman joined the Coe faculty in 1970 and in 1984 became the George Baker Professor of Business Administration and Economics. A respected labor arbitrator, Bill brought national recognition to Coe's business administration and economics department. Although his accomplishments in academia were impressive, it is his contributions to Coe's football program that are recognized today. Bill served Coe as assistant football coach for 16 seasons. The Kohawks were 117-34-2 with three NCAA Division III playoff appearances during Bill's coaching tenure. During his eight years as offensive coordinator from 1989 to 1996, Bill's offenses consistently led the nation in statistical categories. As offensive coordinator, Bill helped Coe compile a 62-16 record while winning four Midwest Conference championships and making two NCAA Division III playoff appearances. Bill was also the athletics director at Coe from 1991-92. Candidates for the Athletic Hall of Fame must wait 10 years after leaving Coe to be considered for induction. Bill is a most-deserving exception to the rule. Almost immediately after Bill's untimely death in 1997, his colleagues, players and students began calling for his induction. The players and coaches dedicated the 1997 season to Bill, who head coach D.J. LeRoy called his "right-hand man" and "a friend to all players and coaches." The Kohawks responded with an 8-1 season. Bill was the consummate teacher, coach, mentor and friend. His distinctive ability to augment the student athlete's spirit of brotherhood and competition made Bill a legend to those who knew him and to some who did not. That same spirit has brought alumni players back to Coe for two Spellman Alumni Football games. Contributions from these games help support the William E. Spellman Memorial Fund, which provides monetary stipends for business and economics students to complement their classroom learning with research. For his perpetual contributions to the college and the spirit of the student-athlete, we are privileged to honor Bill Spellman through his posthumous induction to the Coe College
