Bobby Ross was named the 18th head coach of the Detroit Lions on January 13, 1997. After posting a regular season record of 47-33 (.588) in five years as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, Ross assumed the title of Vice President, Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the Lions.
Ross has over 30 years experience as a college and professional coach. Prior to going to San Diego, he coached at the collegiate level for 15 of 19 years, interrupted only by four seasons as an assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs. While coaching at the Citadel, Maryland and Georgia Tech he was 94-76-2 (.552)
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.
From 1982-1986 Ross had five successful seasons at the University of Maryland where the Terrapins compiled a 39-19-1 mark (.607). He guided Maryland to three ACC titles and four bowl games.
Ross, a Virginia native, turned around the Georgia Tech program leading the 1990 Yellow Jackets to a share of their first ever national championship and conference title.
Ross was born December 23, 1936 in Richmond, Virginia and was a three-sport letterman at Virginia Military Institute 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. He is a 1959 graduate of the Lexington School with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History.