Albert E. Herrnstein

University of Michigan football player, Head Coach of the Ohio State University football team

What is Albert E. Herrnstein known for?

Albert E. Herrnstein, born on August 15, 1882, in Chillicothe, Ohio, was a notable alumni from Chillicothe High School, Ohio. He made his mark in American football as both a player for the University of Michigan and later as a successful coach for several universities.

As a University of Michigan player from 1899 to 1902, Herrnstein played halfback and end positions, becoming one of the standout performers in Fielding H. Yost's "Point-a-Minute" teams. Notably, these teams outscored their opponents 1,211 to 12 in 1901 and 1902. In the 1902 Michigan - Ohio State game, Herrnstein had a career highlight when he scored five touchdowns in an 86–0 rout of the Buckeyes. He was also part of the inaugural college football bowl game, the 1902 Rose Bowl, contributing to the victory with a 21-yard field goal.

After his playing days, Herrnstein moved into coaching. He served as the head football coach at the Haskell Indian School from 1903 to 1904, clinching an impressive 8–1 record in 1904. His coaching career then took him to Purdue University in 1905, where he led the Boilermakers to a 6–1–1 record. In 1906, Herrnstein made history as the head coach of Ohio State University, where his team did not allow a single touchdown, outscored opponents 153–14, and compiled a record of 8–1. Over his four years at Ohio State University, he accumulated a record of 28–10–1. When he left in 1909, he had more wins than any other coach in the school's history, a record he held until 1928.

Later in life, Herrnstein operated the Herrnstein Hardware Co., a retail hardware store located at 72 N. Paint St. He passed away in his hometown, Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 14, 1958.