Bill Hayes, a towering figure in HBCU football, has earned a spot on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot, a testament to five decades of transformative leadership at Winston‑Salem State University.
Hayes arrived in 1976 with minimal resources, yet he immediately began reshaping the program’s culture and ambitions, turning a modest squad into a competitive force.
Championships and a Growing Tree
Under his guidance the Rams captured three CIAA titles, and the program’s success rippled outward, producing 12 conference championships overall. The influence of Hayes’ coaching tree extends to notable disciples such as Pete Richardson, Kermit Blount and Connell Maynor, each of whom has carried forward his meticulous approach to play execution.
Hayes’ philosophy emphasized detailed preparation and a disciplined staff, a method that not only yielded on‑field victories but also cultivated a culture of excellence that persists today.
A memorable moment came in 1977 when WSSU broke a long‑standing drought by defeating North Carolina A&T, a win that signaled the program’s rising stature. The following seasons saw the Rams go 11‑0 in back‑to‑back years, earning national attention and cementing Hayes’ reputation as a builder of elite teams.
Beyond the trophies, Hayes’ legacy is evident in the sustained success of the football program and the achievements of his former players and coaches, who continue to embody the standards he set on and off the field.