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Northeastern University Athletics

Northeastern Huskies

Varsity Club Hall of Fame

Robert Lyons

Robert "Bo" Lyons

  • Class
    1959
  • Induction
    1980
  • Sport(s)
    Football

Robert "Bo" Lyons was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his achievements as an athlete, coach and administrator.

From 1955-57 Lyons won three football letters as an offensive center and linebacker. As a junior and senior, he was named to the Associated Press, United Press, Boston Globe and Boston Record All New England teams. He was elected captain his senior year and went on to be named to seven of eight All Opponent teams. In his sophomore and junior years, he was also the starting catcher for the baseball team.

Lyons returned to Northeastern as an assistant coach of football in 1963 after several years of high school teaching and coaching. His first season back, the Huskies enjoyed their first perfect season with an 8-0 record. He served as Joe Zabillski's chief assistant coach for nine seasons before taking over the head coaching chores in 1972. In his nine years as head football coach, Lyons moved the football program forward from Division II to Division I status. His most outstanding seasons came in 1972, 6-2; 1974, 6-4; and 1978, 6-5. In 1977 he was promoted to the position of assistant director of athletics and was made an administrative assistant to the vice president of the University. He also served as the president of the New England Football Coaches Association.
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