Bob Thalman (2004) - Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Richmond Athletics

Bob Thalman

Induction:
2004
Class:
1948

A standout on the gridiron for Richmond in the 1940s and the most decorated coach in VMI football history, Bob Thalman left his mark on two of Virginia's most storied football programs. Thalman served as VMI football coach from 1971-84, the longest tenure of any Keydet coach. He led VMI to three straight wins over Virginia from 1976-78 and earned two Southern Conference Championships (1974, 1977). In 1981, Thalman led the Keydets to a 6-3-1 record, including road victories against Army and Virginia Tech. That squad is the last VMI team to finish the season with a winning record. Thalman earned Coach of the Year honors from The American Football Coach's Association, the Southern Conference and civic and sports clubs in Virginia. Following his coaching career, Thalman stayed involved, working on the Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame committee. For VMI, Thalman encouraged the formation of an Athletics Hall of Fame and formed the Big Brother Program.