Robert Neyland was not your typical college football coach. A graduate of West Point and veteran of both world wars, Neyland often played a dual role as both an army officer and football coach, shifting seamlessly between the two professions. At the University of Tennessee, he ran his program like the army and amassed an impressive 173-31-12 record. In Robert Neyland: The West Point Engineer Who Built Tennessee Football, Timothy D. Johnson provides deep insight into Neyland's life and incredible career. Featuring interviews with the only living former players from the Neyland era, and including new details from the Robert R. Neyland Family Papers, Johnson brings Neyland's story to life, revealing how Neyland's success resulted from his stern discipline and ability to put together consistently dominant defenses. It's a story that is sure to not only fascinate fans of Tennessee football, but sports and military historians, as well. The book's release in 2026 coincides with the 100th anniversary of Neyland's first year as UT head coach.
RSVP on Eventbrite
This event is part of our TN Writers | TN Stories series. Readings and discussions take place in the Digital Learning Center at the Tennessee State Museum. All events include an opportunity to purchase books through the Museum store and get them signed by the author. If you show your Eventbrite ticket you will receive a 10% discount on your book purchase in the Museum Store.
About the Presenters
Tim Johnson earned his PhD in history from The University of Alabama in 1989. He has been on the faculty at Lipscomb University in Nashville since 1991 and he is currently the Elizabeth Gentry Brown Professor of History. Professor Johnson has appeared on C-SPAN, The History Channel and Public Television. He has authored or edited nine books and over two dozen articles. Johnson has been married to his wife, Jayne, since 1978 and they have three sons and six grandchildren.
Demetria Kalodimos is a trusted voice in Middle Tennessee, now Executive Producer at the non-profit Nashville Banner. She anchored and reported television news for nearly 40 years and has won some of the top awards in broadcast journalism. She was consistently voted Best Local Anchor by readers of the Tennessean and the Nashville Scene, and was inducted into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame and the NATAS Silver Circle. Demetria also produces her own award winning content through her company Genuine Human Productions, headquartered at The Filming Station.
