e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

John McKay (1923-2001)

Sports: Football Section 11 of 21

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This Monongalia County native is the winningest head football coach in University of Southern California (USC) history, and won five Rose Bowls. In 1976, he became the first head coach of the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though the team lost their first 26 games, they later made the playoffs three times. McKay, known for his gruff demeanor but witty comments, retired in 1984. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the inaugural class of USC's Hall of Fame.