John Mckay, a name synonymous with football excellence and a sharp wit, left an indelible mark on both college and professional football. His passing on Sunday, June 10, 2001, at the age of 77, marked the end of an era for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the wider football community. Kidney failure, stemming from complications of diabetes, was the cause of death for this iconic figure. For the Buccaneers franchise, it was the loss of their founding father, the man who steered the ship from its very inception.
The recognition of John McKay’s profound contribution to the Buccaneers culminated on December 5, 2010. During halftime against the Atlanta Falcons, McKay was deservedly inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor, becoming only the second person to receive this prestigious accolade. His career spanned over 25 years as a head coach at both the collegiate and professional levels, amassing an impressive overall record of 171-128-9 (.572). Throughout those 25 seasons, McKay’s teams consistently demonstrated championship caliber, securing 11 conference or division titles and making 12 postseason appearances.
John McKay’s journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers began on October 31, 1975, when he was named the franchise’s very first head coach. He dedicated nine seasons (1976-1984) to the Buccaneers, navigating the challenges of a nascent team and ultimately achieving a 44-88-1 record. Remarkably, in just their fourth season (1979), McKay orchestrated a turnaround that saw Tampa Bay clinch the NFC Central Division championship. This triumph was followed by a historic playoff victory over Philadelphia and the franchise’s inaugural appearance in the NFC Championship Game, a testament to McKay’s leadership and coaching acumen. Furthermore, John McKay holds the distinction of coaching Lee Roy Selmon, the Buccaneers’ first-ever Hall of Famer and the top overall pick in the 1976 draft.
Under McKay’s guidance, the Buccaneers achieved consecutive playoff berths in 1981 and 1982, solidifying their place in the league. The 1981 season was particularly memorable as McKay led Tampa Bay to their second NFC Central Division title. He was also at the helm for the franchise’s first-ever victory, a resounding 33-14 win against New Orleans on December 11, 1977, a watershed moment in Buccaneers history. McKay’s commitment to the organization extended beyond coaching, as he later served as Team President during the 1985 season.
Before his tenure with the Buccaneers, John McKay established himself as a college football legend during his 16 seasons (1960-1975) at the University of Southern California (USC). He transformed the Trojans into a national powerhouse, securing four national championships and compiling an exceptional 127-40-8 record (.760). During his illustrious USC career, McKay coached an impressive 40 first-team All-Americans, a testament to his talent for identifying and developing top-tier players.
In only his third season at USC (1962), John McKay propelled the Trojans to his first national championship, setting the stage for sustained success. He went on to capture further national titles in the 1967, 1972, and 1974 seasons, firmly cementing his place among the elite college football coaches. His four national championships rank him tied for second all-time with Notre Dame’s Frank Leahy, surpassed only by Alabama’s legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. McKay’s remarkable USC resume also boasts three undefeated seasons, nine conference championships, eight Rose Bowl appearances (with five victories), an incredible streak of 14 consecutive winning seasons, and two National Coach of the Year awards (1962 and 1972). He also mentored two Heisman Trophy winners, Mike Garrett (1965) and O.J. Simpson (1968), further enhancing his legacy. Adding to his responsibilities, McKay served as USC’s athletic director during his final four seasons (1972-1975).
John McKay’s coaching journey began as an assistant at USC in 1959, before ascending to the head coach position in 1960. Prior to USC, he honed his skills as an assistant coach at Oregon from 1950 to 1959. His playing career included a season as a defensive back at Purdue before transferring to Oregon, where he earned three letters and achieved All-American honorable mention and All-Coast first-team honors. His commitment to service extended beyond the football field; McKay served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. His contributions to the sport were formally recognized with inductions into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also part of the inaugural class of USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.
Born in Everettsville, West Virginia, John McKay’s athletic talents were evident early on at Shinnston High School (WV), where he excelled as an all-state running back in football and a standout guard in basketball.
John McKay’s legacy extends through his family. He and his late wife, Corky (formerly Nancy Jean Hunter), had four children: John, Rich, Michele, and Terri. His sons have also made significant contributions to the football world. Rich McKay currently serves as President of the Atlanta Falcons, following a successful tenure as Tampa Bay’s General Manager (1995-2003). John McKay Jr. served as General Manager of the 2001 XFL Champion Los Angeles Xtreme and also played wide receiver for USC (1972-1974) and for Tampa Bay (1976-1978), carrying on the family’s deep connection to the sport. John McKay’s impact on football is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy of winning, leadership, and a lasting influence on the game.
