1 9 8 9 – 1 9 9 7 (USA)
200 x 30 minute episodes
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
Kelly Fox
Clare Carey
Stewart Rosebrock
Kris Kamm
Doris Sherman
Katherine Helmond
