As the oldest of eight children in an itinerant farming family living off the harsh land of West Texas, Tonto Coleman learned how to overcome obstacles in life. Thirty-four out of 37 seasons Coleman coached, his teams posted winning records. Coleman was head football coach at Abilene Christian for five years (1942-1947) and served as assistant athletic director and assistant coach for 14 years at Georgia Tech. At the age of 58, he became the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, serving 6 ½ years. Coleman retired to Abilene in 1972, even though the SEC offered him a new five-year contract. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.
