

Robert J. (Bob) Calihan
Basketball Coach (1948 - 1969)
Athletic Director (1964 - 1977)
Detroit Mercy Titans Athletic Hall of Fame
Professional Basketball
Detroit Eagles Basketball Player
1x World Champion
Robert J. (Bob) Calihan was born in Evanston, Illinois and starred in basketball at St. George High School, earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Detroit. Calihan was the leading scorer for the Titan basketball team for each of his three Varsity seasons, earning All-American honors his last two years. After graduation, he went on to play in the National Basketball League (the predecessor to the NBA) for franchises in Detroit, Chicago and Rochester as well as serving in the U.S. Navy for four years in World War II. In 1948 Calihan accepted the job of coaching at his alma mater and spent the next 21 seasons at the helm of the Titans basketball program leading them to 306 wins, one trip to the NCAA tournament plus tree National Invitation Tournament appearances. Calihan also assumed the role of Athletic Director for twelve seasons. Upon his retirement in 1977, the building was renamed “Calihan Hall” in his honor. Bob Calihan was inducted into the Detroit Mercy Titans Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1971. He passed away on September 22, 1989 at 71 years of age.