Bob Cope

Bob Cope (c. 1937 – August 3, 1997) was an American football coach. In a 32-year career, he served as assistant coach at Vanderbilt, Southern Methodist, Arkansas, Mississippi, Purdue, Pacific, Southern California, Baylor, and Kansas State. During his career, he coached 23 nationally-ranked defenses and participated in eight bowl games.

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he played college football at Carson-Newman College, and was induced posthumously into the Carson-Newman Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.

His only stint as head coach came at Pacific (1983–1988), where he had a 22–46 record.

Cope was diagnosed with cancer in September of 1996. He died at Mercy Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas.