Richard "Dick" Compton (c. 1918 – c. 1974) was an American college football coach, most notably associated with the Army Black Knights football program at the United States Military Academy. He served as a long-time assistant coach under legendary head coach Earl Blaik and briefly as the head coach of the team.
Early Life and Playing Career Compton was an alumnus of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played football. Details of his exact graduation year and playing accolades are not widely documented, but his connection to the institution laid the groundwork for his extensive coaching career there.
Coaching Career Compton began his coaching career as an assistant at Army. He became a crucial member of Earl Blaik's coaching staff, which guided the Black Knights to national prominence and multiple national championships in the 1940s and 1950s. During this era, Army was a dominant force in college football, known for its disciplined and effective offensive and defensive schemes, to which Compton contributed significantly. His tenure as an assistant spanned many years, making him an integral part of Army's most successful period.
Following Earl Blaik's retirement, Dick Compton was appointed head coach of the Army Black Knights for the 1959 season. His single season as head coach resulted in a record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie (4-4-1). Despite this respectable record, the leadership of the athletic department decided to pursue a different direction, and Compton departed after the season. He was succeeded by Dale Hall.
Legacy While his time as head coach was brief, Dick Compton's primary legacy in college football stems from his extensive and impactful years as a key assistant coach under Earl Blaik. He was part of the strategic team that built Army into a national powerhouse, developing numerous All-American players and contributing to a highly successful and influential football program. His role in the "Golden Age" of Army football cemented his place in the program's history.