Pell was credited with laying the foundation for the later success of both programs, but his coaching career was tainted by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules violations.

[2] After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Alabama, having been recruited to play football for the Crimson Tide by coach Bear Bryant.

He coached the Gamecocks to four consecutive winning seasons, including a 10–0 record and a Gulf South Conference championship in 1970.

[3] In 1974, Pell left NAIA Jacksonville State to become defensive coordinator for Division I Virginia Tech Hokies.

[2] After taking the defensive coordinator position for the Clemson Tigers football team in 1976, he was elevated to head coach in 1977 when Red Parker was fired.

[2] After the 1982 season, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began an investigation into possible rules violations by Pell and his staff at Florida.

However, on September 16, only three games into the season, the NCAA announced that Florida was alleged to have committed 107 infractions—including spying on other teams' practices, payments and gifts to players, and allowing walk-ons to stay in the athletic dorm.

That night, university president Marshall Criser fired Pell and named his offensive coordinator, Galen Hall, as interim coach.

Athletic Training Center), a major expansion of the south end zone seating and the construction of the first luxury skyboxes.

Pell is credited by many with rebuilding Florida's football program and rehabilitating the finances of the school's athletic department.

[11] After being fired by Florida, Pell was unable to secure another coaching job, a frustration that was a factor in a suicide attempt in 1994.