Barry Switzer facts for kids
Switzer in 2006
|
|
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 5, 1937 Crossett, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1956–1960 | Arkansas |
| Position(s) | Center, linebacker |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1961–1965 | Arkansas (RB) |
| 1966–1972 | Oklahoma (OC) |
| 1973–1988 | Oklahoma |
| 1994–1997 | Dallas Cowboys |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 157–29–4 (college) 40–24 (NFL regular season) 5–2 (NFL playoffs) |
| Bowls | 8–5 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Super Bowl champion (XXX) 3 national (1974, 1975, 1985) 12 Big 8 (1973–1980, 1984–1987) |
|
| Awards | |
| Sporting News College Football COY (1973) Walter Camp Coach of the Year (1974) 4× Big Eight Coach of the Year (1973, 1974, 1986, 1987) |
|
| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 2001 (profile) |
|
Barry Layne Switzer (born October 5, 1937) is a famous American former football coach. He coached college football for 16 years at the University of Oklahoma. Later, he coached in the NFL for four years with the Dallas Cowboys. He won three national championships with Oklahoma. He also led the Cowboys to win Super Bowl XXX. Barry Switzer is one of only three head coaches to win both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl. The other two are Jimmy Johnson and Pete Carroll.
Contents
Barry Switzer's Early Life and Football Start
Barry Switzer was born on October 5, 1937, in Crossett, Arkansas. He grew up with his parents, Frank and Mary Switzer.
Barry received a scholarship to play football at the University of Arkansas. He was a "Tri-Captain" during his senior year in 1959. That year, Arkansas had a great 9–2 record. They also shared the Southwest Conference championship. The team won the 1960 Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech. After college, Barry served briefly in the U.S. Army. Then, he returned to Arkansas as an assistant coach.
Coaching Success at the University of Oklahoma
In 1966, Switzer became an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma. He worked under head coach Jim Mackenzie. After Mackenzie passed away, Switzer continued as an assistant under Chuck Fairbanks.
Developing the Wishbone Offense
Switzer became well-known as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator. He perfected the "wishbone offense." This special offense helped the team run the ball better than almost any other college team. In 1971, the Sooners set an NCAA record. They ran for 472 yards per game! They also scored over 500 points in both 1971 and 1986.
Becoming Head Coach and Winning Championships
When Chuck Fairbanks left in 1972, Switzer was chosen to be the new head coach. He started coaching Oklahoma in 1973. He was very successful right away. His teams had perfect seasons in 1973 and 1974. Oklahoma won national championships in 1974, 1975, and 1985. They also won or shared the Big Eight Conference championship every year from 1973 to 1980. During his 16 years as head coach, his teams won 8 of 13 bowl games. Fifty-four of his players were named All-Americans.
Challenges and Legacy at Oklahoma
In 1983, Switzer faced a legal issue. He was accused of using information he overheard to make money. The case was dismissed because there was no proof he purposely received the information.
In 1989, Oklahoma's team faced some challenges. The NCAA placed them on probation. After 16 years, Switzer decided to resign as head coach. Switzer had a great record against other famous coaches. He beat Tom Osborne 12 times and Jimmy Johnson 5 times. He is one of only four coaches to win over 100 games at Oklahoma.
Switzer was also known for finding talented high school players. He was especially good at recruiting from Texas. His record against the University of Texas was 9–5–2.
Coaching the Dallas Cowboys
On March 30, 1994, Barry Switzer was hired by the Dallas Cowboys. This happened right after Jimmy Johnson, who had won two Super Bowls with Dallas, left the team. Many people thought the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, wanted a coach who would agree with his ideas more. Jones said Switzer had great "leadership, charisma, motivation, and a proven winner" qualities.
First Seasons and Super Bowl XXX Victory
Switzer kept the same assistant coaches from the previous season. His first year with the Cowboys was very good. They went 12–4 in 1994. They made it to the NFC Championship Game but lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
The 1995 season was even better. The Cowboys won seven of their first eight games. They finished 12–4 and had home-field advantage for the playoffs. They easily beat their opponents in the NFC playoffs. They defeated the Green Bay Packers 38–27 in the NFC Championship Game. This was their third NFC title in four years. They then faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. The Cowboys won 27–17! This made Switzer the second coach to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl.
Later Years with the Cowboys
The 1996 season had high hopes, but it was a bit up and down. Key players faced injuries or suspensions. The Cowboys finished 10–6. They won their first playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, they lost to the Carolina Panthers in the next round. This loss was seen as the end of the Cowboys' dynasty.
In August 1997, Switzer had an incident at the airport. A gun was found in his bag. He explained he had put it there to hide it from children at home and forgot it. He pleaded guilty and paid a fine. He was also fined by Jerry Jones. Switzer and quarterback Troy Aikman sometimes disagreed about team discipline. Aikman felt the team lacked the strictness it once had. The 1997 season was tough for the Cowboys. They started well but ended with five straight losses. On January 9, 1998, Switzer resigned as head coach. His NFL coaching record was 40–24.
After Coaching Football
After retiring from coaching, Barry Switzer was honored in many ways. In 2002, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2004, he received the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award.
Switzer still lives in Norman, Oklahoma. He is married to Becky. He has also worked as a sports announcer for XMSN and Fox NFL. Switzer even tried acting! He played a coach in the 1998 movie Possums. He also appeared in an episode of the TV show Saving Grace. Barry Switzer has also started several businesses in the Norman area.
Images for kids
-
Switzer in 2006
