American Football Coaches Association took a sharp slap at the University Friday by an unprecendented commendation of recently dismissed football coach Lloyd Paul Jordan.

In an unanimous statement the group praised Jordan "for his great contributions to college football" and as "an outstanding teacher and leader of young men during his long career as a coach."

Although the resolution did not specifically mention Harvard, its language directly contradicted reasons given by the University for its action last week. The Faculty Committee on Athletic Sports, which recommended Jordan's release, stated that he was considered "a poor teacher" who did not hold the confidence of players and other students.

According to "Tuss" McLaughery, Secretary-Treasurer of the Football Coaches Association, the resolution was meant as a definite "rebuke" to Harvard. The language was "intentional", he said, "and the unanimous action by over 300 coaches shows the strength of the sentiment."

This action by the coaches association marked the first time that an ousted coach had ever been praised by the group.

The extraordinary statement was felt to be as much a personal tribute to Jordan as a rebuke to Harvard. Jordan was an extremely popular figure at the N.C.A.A. convention which met concurrently with the coaches association, and had served as its president in 1951.

Jordan's successor as Harvard football coach is expected to be named shortly. The Faculty Committee on Athletics, while recommending Jordan's release, had also suggested backfield coach "Josh" Williams as his replacement. To date, the Corporation has taken no action on this recommendation, and has remained silent about this and other possible suggestions.

Before concluding its meeting, the N.C.A.A. elected Thomas D. Bolles, Harvard director of Athletics, to its executive committee. Bolles has served for two years on the N.C.A.A.'s executive Council.