John Barnhill (American football)

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John Henry "Barnie" Barnhill (23 February 190321 October 1973) was an American college football coach.

Barnhill was the head coach for the University of Tennessee for four seasons from 1941 to 1945. He coached the team during World War II, managing the squad during the absence of General Robert Neyland who left for the War. During this period he led Tennessee to a record of 32-5-2.

In 1946, after Neyland's return to Tennessee, Barnhill was hired by the University of Arkansas as both head football coach and athletic director. Barnhill gave up the head coaching position in 1949 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He continued as athletic director at Arkansas until 1971 and was responsible for hiring legendary head coach Frank Broyles who ultimately replaced Barnhill as athletic director.

Barnhill Arena, the former men's basketball and current women's basketball facility at the University of Arkansas, was named for him.

Barnhill is a member of both the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

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Preceded by
Glen Rose
University of Arkansas Head Football Coach
1946–1949
Succeeded by
Otis Douglas