Robert E. "Judge" Hughes (November 17, 1944 – July 31, 2013) was an American football player and coach. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft and played in the National Football League (NFL) with the Atlanta Falcons in 1967 and 1969. Hughes served as the head football coach at his alma mater, Jackson State University, from 1999 to 2002, compiling a record of 30–15.

Judge Hughes
Biographical details
Born(1944-07-17)July 17, 1944
Columbus, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedJuly 31, 2013(2013-07-31) (aged 69)
Playing career
c. 1965Jackson State
1967Atlanta Falcons
1969Atlanta Falcons
Position(s)Defensive lineman
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1977–1999Jackson State (assistant)
1999–2002Jackson State
Head coaching record
Overall30–15
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
1 SWAC East Division (1999)

College career

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Hughes played as a defensive lineman for the Jackson State Tigers and was named to the JSU All-Century team in 2011;[1] he is also in the university Hall of Fame.[2]

Professional career

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Hughes was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft .[3] He played for the Atlanta Falcons in 1967 and 1969.[4]

Coaching career

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Hughes was an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator for the Jackson State Tigers before being named head coach in 1999.[3] He served in that position for four seasons. In his first season, Hughes led Jackson State to a 9–3 record, winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division title and an appearing in the inaugural SWAC Championship Game in Birmingham, Alabama, which the Tigers lost 31–30. In each of the following three seasons, Hughes' Tigers finished with a 7–4 record. Hughes' overall record at Jackson state was 30–15, with a .667 winning percentage.[1]

Personal life and death

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Hughes and his wife Joyce had three children.[3] He died in 2013 from complications of diabetes.[1][3]

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Jackson State Tigers (Southwestern Athletic Conference) (1999–2002)
1999 Jackson State 9–3 4–0 1st (East)
2000 Jackson State 7–4 4–3 3rd (East)
2001 Jackson State 7–4 5–2 T–2nd (East)
2002 Jackson State 7–4 5–2 2nd (East)
Jackson State: 30–15 18–7
Total: 30–15
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Former Jackson State Football Coach Robert Hughes Passes Away". Birmingham Times. August 8, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  2. ^ "Jackson State Unveils Football All-Century Team". HBCU Connect. August 12, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d "Former Jackson State coach Robert Hughes dead at 68". The Mississippi Press. Associated Press. August 1, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  4. ^ "Bob Hughes". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
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