Willie Zapalac

Who was Willie Zapalac?

Willie Frank Zapalac was the eighth head college football coach for the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks located in Arlington, Texas, and he held that position for the 1952 season. His career coaching record at UT Arlington was 8 wins, 1 losses, and 1 ties. This ranks him tenth at UT Arlington in total wins and first at UT Arlington in winning percentage.

Zapalac later coached at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and the University of Texas and in the NFL at the St. Louis Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints.

While at the University of Texas, he coached under Darrell Royal for 12 years. During that time, Texas won 7 conference championships and 2 National Championships. He was known for producing many offensive lines in the 'Wishbone' attack. For a period of 5 years at least one offensive lineman was named to All American teams and numerous players named to All SWC teams. Willie had two sons that played football at the University of Texas.

Zapalac played professionally for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1947. His son Bill played professionally three seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets.