Knute Rockne (March 4, 1888-1931) - By the age of 43, Rockne had established himself as one of the greatest coaches of all time. At Notre Dame, Rockne compiled an .881 winning percentage, tops for college or pro football, and won 6 national championships, along with 5 undefeated seasons. More than a coach, Rockne was an innovator who championed the forward pass and made equipment improvements during his tenure. Perhaps Rockne is best known as the coach of the Four Horsemen and the Gipper, the latter being the inspiration of Rockne's famous "Win One For the Gipper" speech.