Leon Burtnett

Leon Burtnett
Biographical details
Born(1943-05-30)May 30, 1943
Fresno, California, U.S.
DiedJune 1, 2021(2021-06-01) (aged 78)
Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S.
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1965–1966Mt. Hope HS (KS)
1967–1968Sterling HS (KS)
1969Colorado State (GA)
1970Montana State (DB)
1971Washington State (DB)
1972–1973Wyoming (DB)
1974–1975San Jose State (LB)
1976Michigan State (LB)
1977–1981Purdue (DC)
1982–1986Purdue
1987–1991Indianapolis Colts (RB)
1994–1995Fresno State (DC)
1996–1998Northeast Louisiana (DC)
1999–2001Arkansas State (DC)
2003–2007Washington State (LB)
2008–2010Houston (LB)
2011Houston (DPP/QC)
2012Montana (S)
Head coaching record
Overall21–34–1 (college)
Bowls0–1
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
Big Ten Coach of the Year (1984)

James Leon Burtnett (May 30, 1943 – June 1, 2021) was an American football coach. He served as the head football coach at Purdue University from 1982 to 1986, compiling a record of 21–34–1.

In November 1981, Burtnett was promoted as Purdue's 30th head football coach.[1] During the 1984 campaign, Burtnett's team posted its best season, in which the highlight of the year was beating number 2 Ohio State 28–23.[2] The 1984 squad's 7–4 record earned Burtnett the Big Ten Coach of the Year, leading the Boilermakers to the Peach Bowl.[3] His success that year earned him a contract extension through 1990.[4] Burtnett's teams didn't improve after 1984, and after a 3–8 season in 1986, Burtnett resigned as head coach.[5]

Burtnett has been an assistant coach for several schools, including Washington State University, San Jose State University, Michigan State University, Montana State University, Fresno State University, Colorado State University, Northeast Louisiana University, and Arkansas State University. In addition, Burtnett was an assistant under former Purdue Alumnus Ron Meyer with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He died two days after his 78th birthday, on June 1, 2021.[6]

Head coaching record

College

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Conference) (1982–1986)
1982 Purdue 3–8 3–6 7th
1983 Purdue 3–7–1 3–5–1 6th
1984 Purdue 7–5 6–3 T–2nd L Peach
1985 Purdue 5–6 3–5 7th
1986 Purdue 3–8 2–6 T–8th
Purdue: 21–34–1 17–25–1
Total: 21–34–1

References

  1. ^ "Burtnett New Purdue Coach". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. November 23, 1981. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  2. ^ "Burtnett cheers Purdue to upset". The Bryan Times. October 11, 1984. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  3. ^ "Burtnett Best In the Big Ten". The Argus-Press. December 4, 1984. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  4. ^ "Army picks Young". Star-News. December 31, 1982. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  5. ^ "Burtnett Decides To Give Up Purdue Coaching Post". Ocala Star-Banner. November 7, 1986. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  6. ^ James Leon Burtnett obituary


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