Fred Taylor was a family friend. He told my mother that he could not get over the failure of Ohio State and the NCAA to respond appropriately to the vulgar attack on Luke Witte and the Ohio State coaches, players and fans at Minnesota. It disgusted him and he just could not let it go.
Gemini says:
Ohio State basketball coach
Fred Taylor was not fired; he voluntarily resigned (quit) from his position.
On 5 February 1976, Taylor submitted his official resignation letter to Ohio State University President Harold Enarson, effective at the end of the 1975–76 season.
Context of His Resignation
- Personal Reasons: In his letter, Taylor explicitly cited "personal reasons" for stepping down after 18 seasons as head coach. He requested to be relieved of his coaching duties and reassigned to another position within the university.
- Declining Record: While contemporary reports and columnists noted that Taylor faced mounting criticism due to a recent dip in the team's winning record—failing to replicate the massive success of his earlier years—he chose to step away on his own terms rather than face termination.
- University Response: President Enarson expressed regret over the decision, stating in a reply letter that he had originally hoped Taylor would continue directing the university's basketball program.
Taylor finished his legendary career at Ohio State with a 297–158 overall record, having led the Buckeyes to seven Big Ten titles and the 1960 NCAA National Championship.
