The Climb, Collapse, and Comeback of Coach Dave Bliss

Coach Dave Bliss is a name that is synonymous with both success and controversy in the world of collegiate basketball. Known for his strategic coaching abilities and his knack for building winning teams, Bliss's journey has been marked by both great achievements and major setbacks.

The Early Years

Dave Bliss's coaching career began in the early 1980s when he was hired as an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma. His dedication and hard work soon caught the attention of many, and he quickly climbed the coaching ranks, landing his first head coaching job at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1984.

During his time at Southwestern Louisiana, Bliss demonstrated his ability to turn struggling programs around. The team's performance improved significantly under his guidance, and he guided them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1988.

Fall to Grace: The Climb, Collapse, and Comeback of Coach Dave Bliss

by Dave Bliss(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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National Success at Baylor

Bliss's impressive coaching record did not go unnoticed, and in 1999 he was hired as the head coach of the Baylor University men's basketball team. This marked a turning point in Bliss's career, as he was finally given the opportunity to coach at a major Division I program.

Under Bliss's leadership, Baylor experienced a period of unprecedented success. The team consistently made appearances in the NCAA Tournament and achieved national rankings. Bliss's ability to recruit top talent played a major role in the team's success during this time.

The Scandal and Collapse

However, in 2003, Bliss's career took a sharp downturn when the Baylor basketball program became embroiled in a major scandal. The scandal involved the murder of one of Bliss's players, Patrick Dennehy, by a fellow teammate, Carlton Dotson.

Bliss was found to have engaged in numerous unethical practices, including paying for Dennehy's tuition through fraudulent means and attempting to cover up these illegal actions. These revelations shocked the college basketball world and led to major repercussions for Bliss and the Baylor program.

As a result of the scandal, Bliss was forced to resign from his position at Baylor. The NCAA also handed down severe penalties, including a ban on postseason play and significant scholarship reductions for the program. Bliss's once-illustrious coaching career was in tatters.

The Road to Redemption

After the scandal, it seemed unlikely that Bliss would ever be able to rebuild his coaching career. However, despite the immense challenges, Bliss was determined to make a comeback.

He spent several years away from coaching, reflecting on his actions and working to make amends. In 2010, Bliss returned to the sidelines as the head coach of the men's basketball team at Allen High School in Texas.

Bliss's return to coaching at the high school level allowed him to focus on teaching and mentoring young players. He emphasized the importance of integrity and character development, urging his players to learn from his past mistakes.

The New Chapter

Today, Coach Dave Bliss continues to make a positive impact in the basketball community. He has dedicated himself to helping young athletes develop both on and off the court.

Bliss's journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, redemption and personal growth are possible. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of learning from past mistakes. Coach Dave Bliss's climb, collapse, and comeback are a true inspiration to all.

Fall to Grace: The Climb, Collapse, and Comeback of Coach Dave Bliss

by Dave Bliss(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1836 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

What would happen if you began living in the acceptance of being loved by God? Despite your past. Despite your shortcomings. Despite all of the things you might be currently striving to achieve. What if you were already whole? More than a decade after Baylor University's men's basketball program fell to pieces, former college basketball coach Dave Bliss opens up about his personal journey from worldly fame, to humiliation, to spiritual discovery and the unfathomable grace revealed to him by a God who wants to give all of us a second chance at life. Though the headlines following Bliss's indiscretions read that he "fell from grace," his resulting guilt and shame forced him to fall to grace, as Bliss learned to accept and receive God's love and forgiveness.