Robert Wayne Moore

Robert Wayne "Bud" Moore, a respected figure in American college football as both a player and a coach, passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 86. Known affectionately as "Bud," he left a lasting impact on the sport through his dedication, sharp intellect, and ability to motivate young athletes. His career spanned several decades, marked by significant achievements on the field and from the sidelines.

Born on October 16, 1939, in Jasper, Alabama, Moore's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He excelled in four sports at West End High School in Birmingham, earning recognition in both baseball and football all-star games and being voted "Sugar-Coated Dynamite" by his classmates. His collegiate journey led him to the University of Alabama, where he played football under the legendary Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, earning three letters as an end and tackle and participating in the inaugural Liberty Bowl in 1959 and the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1960. He also showcased his versatility on the baseball diamond for the Crimson Tide.

Moore transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant at Gadsden High School in 1961. His talent for developing players quickly became apparent, leading to various collegiate assistant coaching positions, including offensive line coach at Kentucky, offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, and offensive line coach at North Carolina. He returned to his alma mater, Alabama, serving as running backs coach and later offensive coordinator under Coach Bryant, contributing to the Crimson Tide's continued success.

In 1975, Moore took the helm as head coach for the University of Kansas, where he made an immediate and memorable impact. In his inaugural season, he was honored as the Big Eight Coach of the Year and was a national coach of the year runner-up. He famously guided the Jayhawks to a stunning 23-3 upset victory over the then-undefeated and eventual national champion Oklahoma Sooners, ending their remarkable 37-game unbeaten streak. He also led the team to the Sun Bowl that year and coached Big 8 Player of the Year quarterback Nolan Cromwell.

After his coaching career concluded in 1978, Moore embarked on a successful venture in the business world. He acquired a Miller beer distributorship in the Florida panhandle, transforming Gator Distributors into one of the nation's top-performing beer wholesalers. Throughout his life, Bud Moore was admired for his generosity, integrity, and profound love for his friends and family, leaving behind a legacy of competitive spirit and a commitment to serving others.