Jim Donnan

Former college football head coach[14]

What is Jim Donnan known for?

Jim Donnan was born on January 29, 1945, in Laurens, South Carolina, and raised in Burlington, North Carolina. He is a remarkable alum from Walter M. Williams High School, making a notable mark in American football as both a player and coach.

Donnan was a formidable quarterback and kicker for NC State from 1965 to 1967. His most memorable moment as a player came in 1967 when he secured a victory for the Wolfpack against his future team, Georgia, in the Liberty Bowl. He was celebrated as the ACC Player of the Year in 1967 and also played tennis for NC State. Donnan's strong commitment to education led him to graduate from NC State in January 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and park administration.

Following his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant at a variety of reputable schools, including Florida State, North Carolina, Kansas State, and Missouri. He shone as the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989, directly contributing to the Sooners' success with three consecutive 11–1 seasons from 1985–1987, and a national championship in 1985. His time at Oklahoma was distinguished by the team's high point total of 508 in 1986, the second-highest in school history at that time.

Pivoting to head coaching, Donnan led Marshall University from 1990 to 1995, and the University of Georgia from 1996 to 2000. His career coaching record stands at an impressive 104–40. He took his 1992 Marshall team all the way, clinching an NCAA Division I-AA national title. His coaching prowess didn't go unnoticed; he was named the SEC Coach of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2009.

Beyond his coaching career, Donnan has also been a television analyst for college football and motivational speaker, demonstrating his extensive knowledge of the game and unwavering dedication to the sport.