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John Ray
By Ethan Levine
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John Ray coached college football in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, and spent four seasons as the head coach at the University of Kentucky from 1969-1972. He spent five seasons as the head coach at John Carroll College from 1959-1963, posting three undefeated seasons and a 29-6 overall record in that time, and then spent five more seasons as an assistant coach at Notre Dame before arriving in Lexington to coach the Wildcats.
Ray had a dismal four seasons at Kentucky, failing to win more than three games in any season. His teams were a combined 10-33 during his tenure as head coach and an even worse 4-24 against the SEC. He was fired following the 1972 season and would go on to serve as defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills for four seasons in the mid-70’s. Ray passed away in 2007 at the age of 81.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.