Ray Graves

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Ray Graves (born December 31, 1918) a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, was a former head coach of the University of Florida football team.

Graves was hired as Florida's head coach in 1960 to replace fellow Tennessee alumnus Bob Woodruff. Graves led Florida to five bowl appearances during his tenure. Graves coached several outstanding players at Florida, including 1966 Heisman Trophy recipient Steve Spurrier (1963-1966) and NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jack Youngblood (1968-1970).

One of the highlights of the Graves era was a 10-6 upset victory over Bear Bryant's 1962 Alabama team at Tuscaloosa. Alabama would not lose again in Tuscaloosa until 1982.

In 1969, despite achieving a 9-1-1 record, Graves stepped down to make room for Doug Dickey to return to his alma mater as head coach for the 1970 season. Graves would serve as athletic director at Florida from 1971 through 1980.

Graves would remain the winningest coach in Florida football history until his former player, Steve Spurrier, surpassed him in 1996.

Graves now resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Opal.

He was also an assistant coach at Georgia Tech.

The Athletic Office at University of Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was named in honor of Graves during the 2005 Gator Football season.

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Preceded by: Bob Woodruff

University of Florida Head Football Coach 1960–1969

Succeeded by: Doug Dickey

Florida Gators Head Football Coaches
Forsythe • G.E. Pyle • McCoy • Busser • Kline • Vanfleet • Sebring • Bachman • Stanley • Cody • Lieb • Wolf • Woodruff • Graves • Dickey • Pell • Hall • Darnell • Spurrier • Zook • Strong • Meyer