In a milestone moment nearly two decades in the making, Coach Dealer notched his 200th career victory on Sunday night as the Arkansas State Red Wolves powered past the Syracuse Orange, 21-6. The win was not only a triumphant statement for an Arkansas State squad, but also a full-circle moment — coming against a Syracuse program Dealer once led to a 7-5 season back in Year 15.
“Two hundred wins... it’s humbling,” said Dealer after the game. “You don’t get here without great players, loyal staff, and believing in the long game. I’ve coached all over the country, but every stop has taught me something. And tonight, it feels like all those lessons came together.”
A Career Defined by Consistency, Resilience, and Championships
Coach Dealer's journey to 200 wins has taken him from coast to coast, building winning cultures in places others overlooked. Beginning his head coaching career in Season 14 with the New Mexico Lobos (7-5), Dealer wasted no time proving his system worked.
He went on to lead:
Syracuse Orange (7-5)
Maryland Terrapins (13-11 over two seasons)
Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (9-3, undefeated in conference)
Oklahoma Sooners (18-7 over two seasons)
Purdue Boilermakers (7-6)
Arizona Wildcats (9-4)
Miami Hurricanes (54-26 across six seasons, including two conference championships
Nevada Wolfpack (18-8 over two seasons)
USC Trojans (18-8 over two seasons)
After guiding major Power Five programs to sustained success, including an 11-3 conference championship campaign with Miami in Season 23 and another title in Season 30 (10-4), Dealer turned his attention to Arkansas State.
The 200th Win: Grit, Defense, and Full-Circle Storylines
The matchup against Syracuse was poetic. Facing a former team on the verge of his milestone, Dealer’s Red Wolves played with discipline and urgency. The defense held the Orange to just two field goals, forcing three turnovers and controlling the clock with a punishing ground game. Offensively, Arkansas State struck early and maintained control, showcasing a physical identity reminiscent of Dealer's early Maryland and Arizona squads.
“This win isn’t just about me,” Dealer said. “It’s about these players stepping up and buying in. We’re building something here at Arkansas State, and this is just the beginning.”
Dealer by the Numbers
Coach Dealer’s career record now stands at 200 wins and 104 losses, with 12 different programs across 20 seasons. His résumé includes:
- 2 Conference Championships (Miami – Seasons 23 & 30)
- 10 double-digit win seasons
- Winning records at 10 of 11 schools coached
- Postseason appearances with nearly every program
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