Coach of the Year is a 1980 American TV film about a paraplegic coach, starring Robert Conrad, Erin Gray, Red West and Daphne Reid.
The film was very popular.
Plot
Jim Brandon (Robert Conrad), a former player for the Chicago Bears, is a returning veteran who has been paralyzed in the Vietnam War. Upon his return to his home town, he tries to get a job as a football coach, but does not get it. He comes up with the idea of becoming the football coach at the Illinois State Training School for Boys in St. Charles after a visit there. Coach Brandon tries to become accepted by the young delinquents at the prison, while coaching them to succeed on the football field.
Cast
Robert Conrad as Jim Brandon
Erin Gray as Paula DeFalco
Red West as Superintendent Turner
Daphne Reid as Merissa Lane
David Raynr as Munroe Sweetlife Johnson
Ricky Paull Goldin as Andy DeFalco
Alex Paez as Hector Estrada
Richard Marx as himself (credited as Richard Marks)
Production
The movie was filmed in Batavia, Illinois, including a scene in Dick's Townhouse Tavern, and St. Charles, Illinois, including scenes at the Illinois Youth Center.
It was produced by John Ashley a former actor who was an old friend of Conrad's.