The Early Years

Born on February 23, 1903, in Savannah, Georgia, John Henry Barnhill, was a successful American college football player, coach, and later, director of college athletics.

He grew up on his family’s farm where he supported both his parents in their farming activities. Having almost become a farmer by default, it meant that Barnhill started high school later than his peers, eventually graduating from Savannah High School in 1923.

Being quoted as saying, “I decided I didn’t want to spend my life behind a plow”, Barnhill enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1924, and quickly found success playing football for the Volunteers.

Barnhill was fortunate to be coached by the legendary General Robert Neyland, going from strength to strength during his college years.

His stature though small, was perfect for the strategies employed by coach Neyland. Barnhill played as a lineman for the Volunteers, notably being part of the undefeated team in 1926, and captaining his side in 1927 to win the SoCon conference. Barnhill was All-Southern during his time playing at Tennessee.

Coaching History & Timeline

After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he began coaching high school football where he found a position as head football coach in Bristol, Tennessee.

He had a great record as coach here, leading his team to a record of 27-3 during his three years.

Barnhill returned to his alma mater as a freshman coach under Neyland in 1931. Having gained this invaluable experience for a few years, he became the offensive line coach for the Volunteers between 1934 and 1940.

As a result of General Neyland being called up for active service during World War II, Barnhill found himself in the position of Head Coach for the Volunteers in 1941.

To say his record was exemplary would be an understatement. He led the Volunteers to a record of 23-5-2 during his four seasons as Head Coach. During his opening season in 1941, the Volunteers went 8-2, with the highlight easily being a huge win against Vanderbilt 26-7 on November 29.

This momentum carried on into his second season, where the Volunteers went 9-1-1 and won the Sugar Bowl. There was no team in 1943 due to the war, and in 1944 the Volunteers were enjoying an undefeated season until their loss to USC at the Rose Bowl going 0-25.

Barnhill’s last season as Head Coach was in 1945, where his team went 8-1, and he ended the season and his tenure on a high, with a stunning shutout at against Vanderbilt 45-0.

It’s worth mentioning that during Barnhill’s time as Head Coach, the Volunteers did not lose a single match against Vanderbilt, who had always been the ones to beat in the region.

Neyland returned from active service and Barnhill took a job at the University of Arkansas as both football coach and athletics director. Starting in 1946, Barnhill had a winning record over his four seasons as Head Coach. Though not as strong as his record at Tennessee, he still went 22-17-3 during his time, taking the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Cotton Bowl in his first season.

Life After Coaching

Unfortunately, due to multiple sclerosis, Barnhill stepped down from the coaching position at the end of the season in 1949, but carried on as Director of Athletics.

He focused all his effort in being the best athletics director he could be, even persevering after the right side of his body became immobile. He retired from this position in 1971.

One of the lasting legacies of Barnhill’s time as Head Coach was hiring Frank Broyles as Head Coach for the Razorbacks in 1958. Broyles was one of the most successful coaches at the University of Arizona, holding this position between 1958 and 1976 where he produced an undefeated national championship team in 1964.

After a period of ill health, Barnhill passed away as a result of heart failure on October 21, 1973, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.