Richmond native, Bobby Ross attended Benedictine High School before lettering in three sports at Virginia Military Institute, where he starred in football, basketball and baseball. He started at quarterback and defensive back for two seasons and served as captain of the team in his senior year. A 1959 graduate of the Lexington School with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History, Ross has over 30 years experience as a college and professional coach. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962 and four seasons at the prep level, Ross started his collegiate coaching at Virginia Military Institute in 1965. After four years as an assistant at William and Mary and one year each at Rice and Maryland, he began his head-coaching career at the Citadel in 1973. In 18 seasons as a head at the collegiate level with The Citadel, University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Army, Ross compiled a record of 103-101-2 (.552). From 1982-1986 Ross led Maryland football to three ACC Championships and four bowl game appearances. Following his stint with the Terrapins, Ross would head to Georgia Tech where in his 4th season at the helm, the Yellow Jackets would go 11-0-1, and win a share of the 1990 National Championship. For his efforts, Ross would receive 5 National Coach of the Year award designations. Following his time at Georgia Tech, Ross was hired by the San Diego Chargers, and would begin a 9 year run as an NFL Head Coach with San Diego and the Detroit Lions. In 9 seasons, Ross put together a record of 74-63, 5 playoff appearances, and led the Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX.
