Barry Switzer

Barry Switzer is a legendary figure in American football, celebrated for his coaching success at both the collegiate and professional levels. Born in Crossett, Arkansas, Switzer rose to prominence as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma from 1973 to 1988, where he never had a losing season. During his tenure, he led the Sooners to three national championships (1974, 1975, and 1985) and amassed a remarkable record of 157-29-4, thanks to his innovative wishbone offense and his ability to recruit top-tier talent.

Switzer's coaching career extended to the National Football League (NFL), where he took the reins of the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. Under his leadership, the Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX in 1996, making him one of only three coaches in football history to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl. He has the highest winning percentage of any Dallas Cowboys football coach.

Known for his charismatic personality and deep connection to his players, Switzer was as much a motivator as he was a tactician. His approachability and genuine care for his athletes earned him widespread respect, both on and off the field. Switzer retired from coaching in 1997 but remained a prominent figure in the football world, frequently offering insights and commentary on the game.

Switzer is a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and organized the annual Swing for Sight Golf Tournament to raise money for the Society for the Prevention of Blindness. He served as honorary head coach of Oklahoma’s Special Olympics for more than 40 years. In 2024, he unveiled Switzer Light Lager with Skydance Brewing Company, whose sales will benefit Ground Zero Emergency Training, a Switzer-founded elite dog rescue and training center. The University of Oklahoma’s athletic complex, the Barry Switzer Center, was named in his honor.