Robert Reese Neyland ( February 17 , 1892 -- March 28 , 1962 ) was an American football coach . He also served in the United States Army and reached the rank of brigadier general . Robert Reese Neyland ( February 17 , 1892 -- March 28 , 1962 ) was an American football player and coach and served in the United States Army , reaching the rank of brigadier general .