Owens was a brilliant end of the Oklahoma Sooners from 1946 through 1949, he played in the NFL, and Jim later went on to coach the University of Washington from 1957-74. The Husky teams of 1959 and 1960 won in the Rose Bowl.

College Career

Owens's collegiate football journey unfolded at the University of Oklahoma, where he played under the legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. As a key member of the Sooners, he contributed to the program's burgeoning success during the late 1940s. He played as an end, showcasing his abilities on both sides of the ball. His dedication and performance solidified his place within the Sooners' esteemed football history.

Jim’s head coach for three of his four college seasons, Bud Wilkinson is quoted as saying, ” He's undoubtedly one of the best football players I've ever coached, both offensively and defensively. He is one of the best tight ends to play college football." That is a pretty big statement from the coach because in Owen’s final two years, Oklahoma had a fantastic record of 21-1, going 10-0 in 1949 with a scoring ratio of 364 points to 88 of the opposing teams they faced. Jim had won All-America honors for his offensive excellence in that senior season. The NFF voters elected Jim Owens, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Road to the Pro Game

While Owens's college play demonstrated his talent, his more significant impact came after his playing days. The Chicago Bears drafted him in the 1950 NFL draft. But his professional football career was very short due to an injury. The key road to Owens's more incredible football notoriety started with his transition into coaching.

Football Legacy

His coaching career primarily defines Jim Owens's enduring legacy. He spent many years as a coach, most known for his time at the University of Washington. From 1957 to 1968, he served as the head coach of the Washington Huskies. He built a very successful program at the University of Washington. He led the Huskies to multiple Rose Bowl appearances, most notably winning the 1960 Rose Bowl. Owens instilled a culture of toughness and discipline, leaving a lasting imprint on the program. He was known as a tough, and very demanding coach. However, he got the best out of his players.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

✦ Rose Bowl victory (1960)

✦ Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a Coach.

While detailed playing statistics might be less emphasized, Owens's impact as a coach is undeniable. His contributions to the University of Washington's football program, and the discipline he instilled in his players, constitute a significant chapter in his football legacy.