William J. Keller (c. 1869 – October 2, 1924) was an American college football player and coach and otolaryngologists. He was the second head football coach at Vanderbilt University, serving for one season, in 1893, compiling a record of 6–1. Keller also played and served as team captain for the Vanderbilt Commodores for both the 1893 and 1894 seasons.[1] Before coming to Vanderbilt, he played at the International Young Men's Christian Association Training School—now known as Springfield College—in Springfield, Massachusetts for Amos Alonzo Stagg.

W. J. Keller
W. J. Keller in a team portrait of the 1894 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
Biographical details
Bornc. 1869
Maryland, U.S.
Died(1924-10-02)October 2, 1924
Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Playing career
c. 1890–1891Springfield YMCA
1893–1894Vanderbilt
Position(s)Quarterback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1893Vanderbilt
Head coaching record
Overall6–1

Keller was born in Maryland. He earned a medical degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He first practiced medicine as a generalist in Clio, South Carolina and later specialized in otorhinolaryngology in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He died on October 2, 1924, at his home in Spartanburg.[2]

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Vanderbilt Commodores (Independent) (1893)
1893 Vanderbilt 6–1
Vanderbilt: 6–1
Total: 6–1

References

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  1. ^ "2012 Vanderbilt Football fact book". p. 118. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
  2. ^ "William J. Keller Suddenly Dies". The State. Columbia, South Carolina. October 6, 1924. p. 2. Retrieved July 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
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