The name John Barnhill is so highly esteemed in the football annals of the University of Tennessee that “John Barnhill Day” was held on October 1, 1966. Barnhill was an All-American guard for General Neyland in 1926 and 1927, and the Vols lost only one and tied one during those two seasons. He was captain of the 1927 team that won eight and tied one, outscoring all opponents 245-26! Barnhill was also head coach of the Big Orange in 1941, 1942, 1944, and 1945, posting a record of thirty-two victories, five losses, and two ties. After coaching the Vols, Barnhill accepted the post of head coach at the University of Arkansas and directed the Razorbacks through the 1949 season. At the end of that season, Barnhill resigned the coaching position to become Arkansas athletic director, a post he manned for over twenty years. Under his direction, athletic teams at the University of Arkansas developed from perennial doormats into consistent winners. Speaking at “John Barnhill Day” in 1966, he said: “I am grateful for those who have thought of me. I am lucky that all of my college athletic days have been spent in Tennessee and Arkansas – it has been great being a Volunteer and a Razorback.” And we, in turn, are grateful that a man like John Barnhill was such an important part of UT football history.
