Jackie Sherrill (2007) - Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame - Texas A&M Athletics

Jackie Sherrill

Induction:
2007

Sherrill became the Aggies’ athletic director and head football coach in January of 1982 and led the Aggie football team to unprecedented success during his tenure (1982-88). He came to Aggieland from a five-year stay at the University of Pittsburgh where he compiled an overall record of 50-9-1 and finished his career at Pitt with three consecutive 11-1 seasons which included three bowl victories. At Texas A&M, he instituted a belief in his players and coaches that they were champions. He reeled off three consecutive Southwest Conference Championships in 1985-86-87 and won two Cotton Bowls by beating Heisman Trophy winners Bo Jackson of Auburn (1986 Cotton Bowl) and Tim Brown of Notre Dame (1988 Cotton Bowl). A master motivator and innovator, Sherrill came up with the idea of an all-walkon kickoff coverage team while he was working on the stack at Bonfire. In 1983, Sherrill unveiled the 12^th Man Kickoff team and that inaugural unit still holds the school record for average per return with a 13.1 mark. Known as a players’ coach, Sherrill was noted for hard work, putting together outstanding coaching staffs as well as compassion for those less fortunate. He remains active in visiting children’s hospitals and helping other worthy causes.

Head Football Coach & Athletic Director, 1982-88

3 SWC Championships – 1985, ‘86, ‘87

Cotton Bowl Championships – 1985 & 1987

30 Consensus All-SWC Players

2 Consensus All-Americans

2 All-American Selections