Dudley DeGroot

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Dudley Sargent DeGroot (November 10, 1899 – May 5, 1970) was an American athlete and coach, best known for his work in football at both the college and professional levels.

Playing career
- DeGroot attended Stanford University, where he played football, basketball, swimming, and water polo. He captained the Stanford football team in 1922 and became the program’s first All-American. He also helped the U.S. rugby team win the gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Coaching and other roles
- He began his coaching career at Menlo College (then known as Menlo Junior College) as physical director and coach of football and basketball, a role he held from 1928 to 1932.
- He was the head football coach at San Jose State Teachers College (now San Jose State University) from 1932 to 1939, compiling a 60–19–8 record. The 1939 team went undefeated and dominated opponents 324–29.
- He coached at the University of Rochester from 1940 to 1943, posting a 24–6 record.
- In professional football, DeGroot headed the Washington Redskins in 1944 and 1945, going 14–5–1. His .737 winning percentage is the best in Redskins history for coaches with at least one full season.
- He then led the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference from 1946 to 1947, finishing 14–12–2.
- DeGroot returned to college coaching with West Virginia University (1948–1949), where his record was 13–9–1, and the University of New Mexico (1950–1952), going 13–17.

Administrative and other work
- Earlier in his career, he also served as an administrator at Santa Barbara State (1926–1928) and as head coach at Santa Barbara State/Santa Barbara (1926–1927).
- He earned a Doctorate in Education and was recognized as a leading oologist (bird egg expert) and ornithologist, with his work frequently cited in scientific publications.

Family and death
- Notable family members include his son, Dudley E. DeGroot, who earned a PhD in anthropology, and his daughter, Alice A. DeGroot, a veterinarian and inventor.
- Dudley DeGroot died on May 5, 1970, in El Cajon, California, at the age of 70.