Fisher DeBerry

Bio

A two sport athlete at Wofford College, Fisher DeBerry began his coaching career at his alma-mater as an assistant. After moving to assist at Appalachian State, DeBerry then got a call from his friend and Air Force head coach Ken Hatfield to, “Head west” towards Colorado Springs. When Hatfield left to fill a vacant coaching position at Arkansas, DeBerry stayed at Air Force and got the head coaching job largely because the players endorsed him for the head coaching position. DeBerry ended up staying at Air Force for 27 seasons, 23 of those years as head coach. During his tenure, DeBerry had 169 victories and a winning percentage of .608 which set records at Air Force. The triple option offensive philosophy enabled DeBerry and the Falcons to compete in 12 bowl games. Overall, DeBerry notched a 169-109-1 record and led 17 of 23 Air Force Academy football teams to winning records. He dominated play against rivals Army and Navy posting a combined 34-8 record against the Cadets and Midshipmen winning 14 Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. He and his wife started the Fisher DeBerry Foundation in 2004 which helps to provide opportunities to children of single parent homes that they would not otherwise have.

Career Highlights

• 1985 Dodd Coach of the Year winner