Bud Wilkinson

Bio

Whenever the turn the conversation turns to gridiron dynasties, the name Bud Wilkinson is certain be mentioned. Wilkinson was an excellent quarterback and guard on coach Bernie Bierman's Minnesota teams of 1934 through 1936, before going to the University of Oklahoma and compiling one of the best records in modern football history. Over 17 years, Wilkinson's Sooners rolled to a 145-29-4 record. Under Wilkinson, Oklahoma was virtually unstoppable, running off winning streaks of 31 and 47 games. Wilkinson's 1950, 1955 and 1956 squads were national champions, and the 1956 Sooners averaged 46.6 points per game. His team won conference championships 14 of 17 years. In an 11-year stretch 1948-58 his record was 107-8-2. He was named Coach of the Year in 1949 and received the Stagg Award for contribution to football in 1977. He emphasized educational values to his players and close to 90 percent obtained degrees. Wilkinson had a master's degree in English. For many years he was the lead color man in the national broadcast of college football. He came out of retirement to coach a pro team, the St. Louis Cardinals, 1979-80.