People: Wayne Fontes
WAYNE FONTES: NFL COACH OF THE YEAR
He's a hugger, not a mugger. In Chicago, they call him the Anti-Ditka. He emotes and backslaps, does not use mousse in his hair, and will stop his car to sign autographs. With a big, wide smile. Those who believe nice guys finish last were skeptical that Wayne Fontes, '62, M.A. '66, named head coach of the Detroit Lions in 1988, would 'restore the roar' in the Pontiac Silverdome. But Fontes has disproved Leo Durocher's dictum.
This past season the affable and caring Fontes led Detroit to a 12-4 record and then creamed Dallas 38-6 in their first home playoff game since 1957. He achieved success despite serious injuries to several key players and was named the NFL's 'Coach of the Year.' In marked contrast to the coach of the Chicago Bears, Wayne did so without ever yelling at his players in public. 'Ditka does it his way and I do it my way,' says Wayne. Notes star running back Barry Sanders, 'He proves that a coach can show affection and appreciation (and still win).' The son of Portuguese-American parents, Wayne grew up in Canton, OH, played football and baseball at MSU, coached MSU's freshman team in 1965 and coached (with George Perles) at Dayton, then Iowa, Southern Cal, and Tampa Bay. He came to the Lions as defensive coordinator in 1985. He remains close to the Spartan program, having spoken often at banquets and clinics. 'He's a great Spartan and a great friend,' says Perles. 'I'm tickled that he's been able to enjoy success.'