Jim Mackenzie

Who was Jim Mackenzie?

James Alexander Mackenzie was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Oklahoma for one season in 1966, compiling a record of 6–4. Mackenzie was brought in after coach Gomer Jones failed to match the success of the legendary Bud Wilkinson, whom he replaced. Mackenzie died of a heart attack during the spring following his first season at Oklahoma. He collapsed at home after returning from a recruiting trip. Mackenzie was 37 years old and was survived by his wife, Sue Newell, and two children, Katheryn Sue and James Alexander, Jr. Assistant coach Chuck Fairbanks, age 33, was named his successor four days later.