Paul Louis Roach[1] (October 24, 1927 – September 3, 2023) was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator.
A native of Spring Green, Wisconsin, Roach attended what is now Black Hills State University from 1948 to 1951, earning all-conference honors in football twice.
After graduating, he began a coaching career, serving with high schools through 1956 before getting his first college position as an assistant for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux in 1957.
He retired after leading them to a third bowl game appearance in 1990, finishing with an overall record of 35–15, which ranks as one of the best winning percentages (.700) in team history.
[2] He attended Central High School in Rapid City, South Dakota, and then served in the United States Army in World War II from 1945 to 1947.
[4][5] Roach earned all-conference honors in football two or three times[a] while playing end and in the backfield and was team captain as a senior.
[6] He graduated in 1952 and began his coaching career the same year, having received bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physical education.
[13] He coached two more seasons with Wyoming before retiring, leading them to another bowl game in 1990 while finishing with a four-year record of 35–15 (.700), one of the best winning percentages in program history.