Fred Powell started his coaching career after winning the NCAA Division l National Championship in 1964, when he was named assistant wrestling coach at West Point. 

In 1966 he accepted a position as assistant varsity and head freshman coach at Indiana State University, where he was doing graduate work. 

In 1967, he was named Head Wrestling Coach at Slippery Rock University. 

After retiring from Slippery Rock University, Powell developed the first wrestling program at Slippery Rock Middle School and High School. In six years, Slippery Rock High School wrestlers have accumulated six section championships, three district championships, one regional and a third-, fifth- and sixth-place finish in the P.I.A.A. State Championships. 

Coach of the year NCAA College Division: 1971 

USA World Elite Freestyle Team Head Coach: 1979 and 1981 

Head Wrestling Coach, Slippery Rock University: 1967 - 1991