Bill Yeoman: The Veer and the Pioneer
Bill Yeoman, the legendary coach of the Houston Cougars, was a true trailblazer whose influence extended far beyond the playing field. In a tenure spanning from 1962 to 1986, he transformed the University of Houston into a national power with one of the most innovative offenses in college football history.
Yeoman's signature creation was the Veer, a dynamic triple-option offense that baffled the era’s best defenses and led Houston to four Southwest Conference titles. The Veer was widely copied, and its principles still influence offensive football today. However, Yeoman’s most courageous act may have come in 1964 when he signed running back Warren McVea, making Houston the first major football program in Texas to integrate. By breaking the color barrier and revolutionizing offense, Bill Yeoman left a dual legacy as both a brilliant innovator and a pivotal social pioneer in college football history. 🏈
