Barry Switzer Biography

Barry Layne Switzer, born on October 5, 1937, is an American former college and professional football coach. He held the position of head football coach at the University of Oklahoma for 16 years and served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League for four years. After the 1966 season, Switzer joined the University of Oklahoma as an assistant coach under Jim Mackenzie, a close associate. During his tenure, the Sooners achieved an NCAA rushing record of 472 yards per game in 1971 and surpassed 500 points in scoring during the 1971 and 1986 seasons. When Mackenzie left after the 1972 season, Switzer assumed the role of head coach at the University of Oklahoma. By his seventh season in 1979, his leadership had become central to the program’s national prominence, as noted by media and players. He guided the team to undefeated seasons in 1973 and 1974.