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Jimmy Johnson

OSU Head Football Coach

1979-83

Johnson’s lowest moment came in the season opener the next year. After a summer of bold predictions (“We’re going to knock their eyes out”), West Texas State came to town and stunned OSU, 20-19. OSU started 1980 with five-straight losses, won three of seven conference games and returned to earth with a 4-7 mark. The year ended in Norman on the short end of 63-14 drubbing.

While Johnson’s era was an elevator ride, it brought a new excitement to Lewis Field. It can be argued, and I totally agree, one of Johnson’s greatest contributions was bringing a ball of fire coach by the name of Pat Jones with him.