He was the head coach of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles from 1969 to 1974.
A native of Cordova, Alabama, Underwood joined the United States Army upon graduating from high school, serving several years with the military police.
[1] He then had a brief professional career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, before turning to coaching.
After a short stint as an assistant for the Tennessee Volunteers he returned to become head coach at Southern Miss in 1969.
[2] Underwood was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 28th round, 330th overall, in the 1954 NFL draft, even before playing at Southern Miss.