Ralph "Shug" Jordan
Biography
Shug Jordan is the winningest coach in Auburn history (176 wins). He led Auburn to its first National Championship in 1957. A dedicated servant to Auburn, he coached the Tigers for 25 years and has the stadium (Jordan-Hare) named in his honor.
Rivalry Context
Ralph "Shug" Jordan is tracked in the Iron Bowl History archive as a coach connected to Auburn during the 1951-1975 period. The profile is intended to place the person in rivalry context rather than serve as a complete career biography.
The recorded Iron Bowl mark for this profile is 13-12. Records are presented as rivalry-specific context and should be read alongside the linked game pages when a notable game is available.
Ralph "Shug" Jordan's profile includes 4 documented achievements, including National Champion (1957) and SEC Champion (1957).
The notable game links below connect this profile to 2 Iron Bowl archive entries, making the biographical note part of the broader game-by-game record.
Achievements
- National Champion (1957)
- SEC Champion (1957)
- 176 Career Wins
- College Football Hall of Fame
Notable Iron Bowl Games
The 1957 Iron Bowl was the crowning achievement of Auburn's greatest season. #1 Auburn demolished Alabama 40-0 at Legion Field to complete a perfect 10-0 record and secure the AP National Championship. The 40-0 score was a reflection of the gap between the two programs at the time. Auburn's defense, which allowed only 28 points *all season*, suffocated Alabama. The offense moved the ball at will. It remains one of the most lopsided victories in Auburn history.
The 1972 Iron Bowl is simply known as "Punt Bama Punt." It is perhaps the most famous special teams performance in college football history. #9 Auburn stunned #2 Alabama 17-16 in a game that defies logic. With 10 minutes left in the game, Alabama led 16-0 and seemed to have the game comfortably in hand. Then, the impossible happened. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt, and David Langner picked it up and ran it in for a touchdown. Trailing 16-7, the Auburn defense forced another punt. Incredibly, Bill Newton broke through and blocked the second punt as well. Once again, David Langner scooped it up and ran it into the end zone. The two blocked punts turned a 16-0 deficit into a 17-16 win.