CONGRATULATIONS: Barry Switzer, Oklahoma Former Head Coach, Awarded the Prestigious National Football Foundation Gold Medal

Barry Switzer, one of college football’s most charismatic and successful head coaches, has added yet another remarkable honor to his illustrious career. The National Football Foundation (NFF) has awarded Switzer its highest distinction—the Gold Medal—placing him among the most influential and revered figures in the history of the sport. This prestigious recognition, which has been awarded to U.S. Presidents, military heroes, and sports legends, represents the pinnacle of achievement in both football and life. For Switzer, it is a capstone to a career that has forever shaped the game, transformed lives, and elevated the Oklahoma Sooners into a national powerhouse.

Born in Crossett, Arkansas, in 1937, Switzer’s rise to greatness was anything but predetermined. His early life was marked by hardship and personal challenges, but those very struggles forged his resilience and drive. A standout player at the University of Arkansas, Switzer transitioned into coaching, where he would eventually leave a mark that transcended wins and losses. He joined the Oklahoma coaching staff in the 1960s under head coach Jim Mackenzie, then Chuck Fairbanks, and helped build the foundation for what would become one of college football’s greatest dynasties.

When Switzer was named head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 1973, he wasted no time in asserting his vision. His high-octane wishbone offense took the nation by storm, redefining what was possible on the ground. During his first two seasons, Switzer went undefeated in the regular season, capturing national championships in 1974 and 1975. In a decade defined by dominant teams and fierce rivalries, it was Oklahoma under Switzer that set the standard for excellence. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and motivate his players was second to none, and his larger-than-life personality only amplified his legendary status.

Switzer compiled a staggering 157–29–4 record as Oklahoma’s head coach from 1973 to 1988, winning three national championships and 12 Big Eight titles. He led the Sooners to 13 bowl appearances, and his teams were consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation. But beyond the numbers, it was Switzer’s authenticity and fearlessness that endeared him to players and fans alike. He was a player’s coach, someone who believed in giving his athletes a voice, supporting them off the field, and standing by them even when controversies swirled. His belief in second chances, loyalty, and compassion made him both a formidable opponent and a beloved leader.

Switzer’s ability to connect with young athletes was often cited as one of his greatest strengths. Former players routinely speak of how he influenced their lives beyond football, teaching them about integrity, perseverance, and purpose. He understood the complexities of college life and the pressures that came with it, especially for athletes coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Switzer didn’t just mold players; he mentored young men, many of whom credit him with helping them become responsible fathers, professionals, and leaders in their communities.

Even after retiring from college coaching in 1989, Switzer’s legacy only grew. In a bold and rare move, he transitioned to the NFL, taking over as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. Just two years later, he led the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XXX, becoming one of only three head coaches in football history to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl—joining Jimmy Johnson and Pete Carroll in that elite group. That feat alone would justify a Gold Medal, but for Switzer, it’s merely one chapter in a narrative full of triumphs and contributions.

The National Football Foundation’s decision to honor Switzer with the Gold Medal comes not only in recognition of his coaching accomplishments but also his enduring commitment to education, character, and community. The NFF Gold Medal is awarded to individuals whose lives embody the values of scholarship, citizenship, and leadership—principles Switzer has championed throughout his life. His philanthropic work, particularly in Oklahoma, has had a transformative impact. He has been a tireless advocate for at-risk youth, veterans, and public education, leveraging his platform and influence to drive meaningful change. Whether through his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, his support for military families, or his investment in mentoring programs, Switzer has never wavered in his dedication to service.

Switzer’s public persona has always been as colorful as it is confident. Known for his quick wit, bold statements, and media savvy, he was never afraid to speak his mind. But beneath the swagger lies a deeply principled man who has always prioritized doing what he believes is right. His leadership style, often unconventional, has always centered on honesty and mutual respect. Players knew where they stood with him, and that transparency created a culture of trust. For Switzer, coaching was never just about schemes and strategies—it was about connection.

The timing of the NFF’s award feels especially poignant in a modern era where college football is undergoing seismic shifts. From NIL compensation to conference realignments and playoff expansion, the landscape today is vastly different from the one Switzer dominated. Yet his philosophies remain relevant. His belief in empowering athletes, his unapologetic approach to leadership, and his commitment to player welfare are values now echoed by the next generation of coaches navigating this new frontier. In many ways, Switzer was ahead of his time, and this honor serves as a powerful reminder of his forward-thinking influence.

In the announcement of the award, NFF Chairman Archie Manning praised Switzer as “a transformational figure whose impact on college football is rivaled only by his impact on the people within it.” Manning added, “Barry Switzer’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and heart. He is a true icon who represents the very best of what our game stands for.” The ceremony, scheduled to be held at the NFF’s annual gala, will draw dignitaries, former players, and sports legends from across the country, all paying tribute to a man whose life’s work has elevated the game and enriched countless lives.

For Switzer, the Gold Medal is more than an individual accolade—it is a testament to the countless relationships he’s built and the lasting impact he’s made. In interviews following the announcement, Switzer expressed humility and gratitude, saying, “I’ve always said that football was never about the trophies. It was about the kids. Watching them grow, helping them succeed—that’s the real reward. This honor means a lot to me because it recognizes that.” He went on to credit his former players, assistant coaches, and university staff, emphasizing that no championship—or medal—is ever achieved alone.

Oklahoma fans, many of whom still hold Switzer as the greatest coach in program history, have long clamored for more national recognition of his legacy. This award provides just that. It not only reinforces Switzer’s place among the coaching pantheon but also validates his unorthodox yet effective approach. His boldness, both on and off the field, challenged the norms of college football, making it more exciting, more inclusive, and more player-centric.

In an age where coaches are often measured solely by their records, Switzer’s life tells a deeper story. It is a story of a man who never forgot where he came from, who fought for his beliefs, and who never lost sight of the human element of sport. Whether leading the Sooners onto the field against Texas, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Dallas, or advocating for social causes in retirement, Switzer has always been a force of nature—a leader in every sense of the word.

There is also poetic justice in the timing of this award. Switzer, now in his late 80s, has remained a vibrant presence in the football community. He’s often seen on the sidelines, at Oklahoma games, still as sharp and engaging as ever. He serves as a bridge between generations, reminding younger fans and players of the history and heritage that paved the way for today’s success. His anecdotes, humor, and wisdom continue to inspire, and his voice remains one of the most respected in the sport.

As the National Football Foundation celebrates Switzer with its Gold Medal, it is celebrating more than a coach. It is honoring a life dedicated to excellence, compassion, and courage. It is recognizing a man who not only understood the game but elevated it. It is shining a spotlight on values that endure—teamwork, grit, loyalty—and a leader who embodied them all.

Barry Switzer’s story is far from over, but this chapter serves as a defining moment. It is a reflection of a career that has given so much to football, to education, and to humanity. And it is a reminder that while championships may fade into memory, the legacy of character and care never does. Congratulations to Coach Barry Switzer, a true American original and the deserving recipient of the 2025 National Football Foundation Gold Medal.