Coaches for the Coach - A Tribute to John Madden

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

This article reflects on the life and legacy of John Madden, who passed away on December 28, 2021. While widely known for his career in football as a player, coach, and commentator, the article highlights a lesser-known aspect of his life: his significant involvement with the bus industry.

After retiring from coaching due to a fear of flying, Madden began using custom motorcoaches—dubbed the "Madden Cruisers"—for his travel needs. These luxury buses, provided by MCI, became integral to his broadcasting career, covering thousands of miles each year.

Madden's preference for motorcoach travel not only made him an unofficial spokesperson for the industry but also showcased the comfort and practicality of buses as an alternative to planes and trains. The article details the evolution of his Madden Cruisers, emphasizing their role in both his professional life and his impact on the bus industry.

This article was originally published by Larry Plachno in the February 2022 issue of National Bus Trader.

https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/articles/historical-educational-articles/coaches-for-the-coach-a-tribute-to-john-madden-2/

[Van]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[luvrbus]

I met John Madden 3 times at Chuys Mexican Restaurant in Van Horn Tx,he loved  the flat enchiladas with the egg on top Chuys served, they tasted better than they sound, sad but Chuy's is gone now.John loved our Eagle bus ,I think he liked all buses

[plyonsMC9]

That's a well-written story.  Thanks for posting that here Gary.  John Madden's cruiser #2 (1994 MCI DL3-45) was inspiration during the planning phase for some of the exterior look & feel for our DL3-45. 

With regards, Phil

[luvrbus]

I really liked John's Outback model J MCI it was a nice conversion inside

[Dave5Cs]

We used to stop there for lunch coming through Texas and saw all the Madden stuff on the table inside the restaurant. Loved their Mexican food and stayed at the RV park across the street which was in poor shape but doable.

[luvrbus]

We used to stop there for lunch coming through Texas and saw all the Madden stuff on the table inside the restaurant. Loved their Mexican food and stayed at the RV park across the street which was in poor shape but doable.

The new owners have clean the park up it is not bad now lol but the $15.00 a night for full hook ups is gone,that was a great steak house next door to the park and the prices were good too. That was a neat grocery on the west end I would buy fresh made deer sausage from there and grill in the parking lot, Sonja liked the fresh trout fish they sold ,I never knew you could tell a fish was fresh by looking at the eyes till then lol to me a dead fish was dead,I would laugh when she tell the guy give me that one with bright clear eyes and he would and smile