James McKinley (American football) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1945 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | July 6, 2012 (aged 67) Tamarac, Florida |
| Playing career | |
| 1963–1965 | Western Michigan |
| Position(s) | Tight end |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1966–1971 | Allegan HS (MI) |
| 1972–1973 | Eastern Michigan (LB/RC) |
| 1974–1976 | Central State |
| 1977–1981 | North Carolina A&T |
| 1982–1983 | Prairie View A&M |
| 1984 | Oklahoma Outlaws (DL) |
| 1985–1986 | Missouri (DC/ILB) |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1978–1980 | North Carolina A&T (interim AD) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 46–64–1 (college) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| MEAC Coach of the Year (1980) | |
James Ruffin McKinley (born February 25, 1945 – died July 6, 2012) was an important person in American football. He was a player, a coach, and a successful businessman. Jim McKinley coached football teams at several colleges, especially those known as historically black colleges and universities. He also coached for a professional team, the Oklahoma Outlaws, and helped create a special college football game called the Heritage Bowl.
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Playing College Football
Jim McKinley played football at Western Michigan University as a tight end. He was a really good player! In 2005, he was chosen for WMU's All-Century Football Team, which means he was one of the best players in the school's history. He was also honored in 1992 when he was added to the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Coaching Football Teams
Jim McKinley spent many years coaching different football teams. He started as a head coach at colleges and even coached in a professional league.
First Head Coaching Jobs
McKinley got his first big coaching job at Central State University in Ohio. He was the head coach there from 1974 to 1976. After that, he moved to North Carolina A&T State University. He coached the Aggies from 1977 to 1981.
Coaching at Prairie View A&M
Later, McKinley became the head football coach at Prairie View A&M University. He coached there for two seasons, in 1982 and 1983.
Other Coaching Adventures
Jim McKinley's coaching career took him to several other places too. He coached at Eastern Michigan University. He also coached in a professional league called the USFL for the Oklahoma Outlaws, where he was in charge of the defensive line players. His coaching journey also included time at the University of Missouri.
Beyond the Field: Business and Bowls
Jim McKinley wasn't just a football expert; he was also a smart businessman.
Building a Business
He started his own company called McKinley Financial Services, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This company grew to be one of the biggest insurance agencies in the United States owned by a minority. It had more than 50 agents and staff members. Because of his success, his old school, Western Michigan University, gave him the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award. He had earned his college degree there in 1966.
Creating the Heritage Bowl
In 1991, Jim McKinley had a great idea: to create the Heritage Bowl. This was an annual college football game. It brought together two top teams from Division I-AA (a college football division) that didn't make it into the playoffs. McKinley was the first executive director of this bowl game. Even though the game faced some challenges, like not having many people in the stands or much TV coverage at first, it continued to be played every year until 1999.
