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Tom Amstutz was a player, assistant coach and head coach for the Rockets for more than 30 years. "Toledo Tom" made his greatest mark as head coach from 2001-08, where he led the Rockets to two MAC championships, four West Division titles and four bowl appearances. Born and raised in the Glass City, Tom played three seasons on the offensive line from 1974-76, earning two letters. He then joined the UT coaching staff and worked his way up the coaching ladder, becoming the defensive coordinator in 1994. In his final season as coordinator in 2000, the Rockets went 10-1 and were ranked No. 3 in the nation in both total defense and points allowed. The following year, he took over as head coach, leading UT to MAC and Motor City Bowl Championships. In 2002, UT won the MAC West crown and earned another bowl appearance. In 2004, the Rockets again won the MAC Championship and gained another bowl berth. The 2005 season saw another division title and a bowl victory over UTEP in the GMAC Bowl. In his final season in 2008, Amstutz's Rockets pulled off one of the most memorable upsets in school history, a 13-10 victory over Michigan in the Big House.
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