Hayden Fox (Craig T. Nelson) was the coach of the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles football team.
His assistant coaches were pleasant but clueless Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and perennial college student Michael “Dauber” Dybinski (Bill Fagerbakke).
Fox tried to coach his team into a winning force while juggling a social life and raising his daughter Kelly (Clare Carey) who eventually married a mime, Stewart Rosebrock (Kris Kamm). The pair eventually divorced.
Shelley Fabares played Christine Armstrong, the TV newswoman who eventually became Fox’s wife.
They attempted to tie the knot three times during the comedy’s 1992/1993 season (thus giving ABC a triple-ratings shot) and finally succeeded on the third try.
Hayden left Minnesota State in 1995 to become Head Coach of the Orlando Breakers, a professional expansion football team owned by millionaire Doris Sherman (Katherine Helmond), who butted heads with Fox on many occasions.
The final season had Hayden turn down other coaching offers to help Christine build her TV career in Minnesota.
The series was written by Barry Kemp, who also created Newhart.
TRIVIA The theme song was performed by the Iowa State University Cyclone Football Varsity Marching Band. The Iowa State band was the winner of a national competition to play the piece for the TV show.
Coach Hayden Fox Craig T. Nelson
Christine Armstrong
Shelley Fabares Luther Horatio Van Dam Jerry Van Dyke
Michael “Dauber” Dybinski
Bill Fagerbakke KellyFox
Clare Carey Stewart Rosebrock
Kris Kamm Doris Sherman
Katherine Helmond
His assistant coaches were pleasant but clueless Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and perennial college student Michael “Dauber” Dybinski (Bill Fagerbakke).
