Verne S. Bennett

Vernon S. Bennett (January 1, 1867 – October 26, 1944) was the fourth head coach of the Michigan State Normal School football team (now the Eastern Michigan University Eagles).

Bennett was born in Prattsburgh, New York to "Mr. and Mrs. E.N. Bennett". At the birth of his younger brother Clare in 1871, the family resided in Lapeer, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State Normal School in 1891, and while in school he served as president of the Normal Athletic Association, and as editor of the Atheneum Society. In 1892, he served as an enrolling and engrossing clerk for the Michigan House of Representatives. As a senior, he gave a commencement oration on international law, which is recorded as being "especially fine."

Bennett was the fourth head college football coach for the Michigan State Normal School football team, located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He held that position for the 1894 season and his coaching record at the school was 5 wins and 2 losses. As of the conclusion of the 2010 season, this ranks him #19 at Eastern Michigan in total wins and #2 at the school in winning percentage (.714).

Following his time as the football coach, Bennett resided in Fenton, Michigan with his family, and later in New Orleans. He died there in 1944.