7. Emory Bellard (1972-1978)
Record: 52-28
Bellard’s wishbone offense changed the look of the Texas A&M program for the better. After two seasons of growing pains Bellard had the 1975 team within striking distance of a national title. The Aggies were 10-0 with two games remaining on the schedule: Texas and Arkansas.
The Longhorns, led by running back Earl Campbell, were ranked No. 5 in the nation when they came to College Station. The No. 2 Aggies defeated the Horns in a battle of heavweights.
The undefeated Aggies became a national story and running back Bubba Bean became the first Texas A&M player to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Unfortunately the Aggies would lose their final two games of the season, falling to Arkansas and then USC in the Liberty Bowl.
Texas A&M would never get that close to a national title under Bellard again. He would resign in the middle of the 1978 season after he had heard rumors that the Board of Regents was looking into firing him.