Jim Wacker
Jim Wacker (April 28, 1937 – August 26, 2003) was an American college football coach and athletics administrator who achieved four national championships at the NCAA Division II level and was renowned for his optimistic coaching philosophy that emphasized academic success alongside athletic performance.[1][2][3] Born in Detroit, Michigan, as the son of a Lutheran minister, Wacker graduated from Lutheran High School in Detroit before attending Valparaiso University, where he earned B.S. degrees in geography and physical education in 1960 while playing football for the Crusaders.[1][4] He later obtained a master's degree in geography from Wayne State University in 1966 and a doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska in 1970.[4][5] Wacker began his coaching career in high school football in 1960 and served as an assistant coach at Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, before becoming a head coach.[3][6] Wacker's head coaching tenure spanned 25 years across five institutions, where he compiled an overall record of 159–131–3.[2] At Texas Lutheran University from 1971 to 1975, he led the Bulldogs to consecutive NAIA Division II national championships in 1974 and 1975, finishing with a 37–17 record.[7][3] He then coached at North Dakota State University from 1976 to 1978, posting a 24–9–1 record.[8] From 1979 to 1982 at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), Wacker guided the Bobcats to NCAA Division II national titles in 1981 and 1982, including a perfect 14–0 season in 1982, and earned the College Division II Coach of the Year award that year after securing three Lone Star Conference titles and a 42–8 overall mark.[5][3] At Texas Christian University (TCU) from 1983 to 1991, Wacker revitalized the program, achieving an 8–3 regular season record and a No. 12 national ranking in 1984, culminating in a Bluebonnet Bowl appearance, for which he was named the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year.[5] His final head coaching stint was at the University of Minnesota from 1992 to 1996, where his teams led the Big Ten Conference in graduation rates and all-academic selections for all five seasons, though the on-field record was 16–39.[4][3] After retiring from coaching, Wacker served as athletic director at Southwest Texas State University from 1998 to 2001 and worked as a CBS radio football commentator for two years.[5] He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including those at Valparaiso University (2003), Texas Lutheran University (1991), Texas State University (2019), and the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his legacy of positivity and holistic development of student-athletes.[4][7][5][3] Wacker, who was married to Lil for 42 years and had three sons, passed away from cancer in San Marcos, Texas, at age 66.[5][1]Coaching career
Early coaching positions
Jim Wacker began his coaching career as the head football coach at Concordia High School in Portland, Oregon, serving from 1960 to 1964.[4] In 1964, Wacker transitioned to collegiate coaching as an assistant at Concordia University Nebraska, where he worked under head coach Ron Harms until 1969. During this period, he contributed to both offensive and defensive preparations, with a particular emphasis on coaching the offensive and defensive lines as well as linebackers; he also served as head coach for the wrestling and tennis programs.[6] From 1969 to 1971, while pursuing his Ed.D. in education at the University of Nebraska, Wacker took on an assistant coaching role at Augustana College in South Dakota.[4] Wacker's early career laid the foundation for his hallmark enthusiastic and motivational style, evident in his multifaceted involvement across sports and his collaborative development of innovative strategies, such as adapting defensive schemes inspired by professional techniques.[6]Texas Lutheran University
Jim Wacker began his head coaching career at Texas Lutheran University in 1971, serving through the 1975 season and compiling an overall record of 37–17 with the Bulldogs.[9] Under his leadership, the program experienced a dramatic turnaround from early struggles, including sub-.500 finishes in 1971 (5–6) and 1972 (3–7), to becoming a national powerhouse by mid-decade.[9] Wacker guided Texas Lutheran to consecutive NAIA Division II national championships in 1974 and 1975, marking the school's first and only titles at that level.[7] In 1974, the Bulldogs finished 11–0, culminating in a 52–8 victory over Missouri Valley College in the championship game, while scoring a school-record 421 points and allowing just 44.[9] The 1975 team went 11–1, securing the title with a 34–8 win against California Lutheran University and extending a school-record 17-game winning streak that began in 1973.[9] These successes established Wacker's reputation for building competitive programs at the NAIA level.[3] Central to the program's revival was Wacker's emphasis on fundamentals, including a balanced offensive scheme featuring quick-strike plays and a stout defense that produced multiple shutouts during the championship seasons.[9] He fostered high team morale through his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy, which motivated players and contributed to the shift from mediocrity to dominance.[10] Wacker maintained a large roster of over 120 players, providing opportunities for broad participation and development.[11] In terms of recruitment and player development, Wacker targeted local Texas talent and nurtured it into standout performers, producing several All-America selections such as running back Mike Washington and offensive lineman Phil Dunne.[9] His approach not only elevated individual skills but also built a cohesive unit capable of sustaining success across multiple seasons.[12]North Dakota State University
Jim Wacker was appointed head football coach at North Dakota State University in 1976, bringing momentum from his successful tenure at Texas Lutheran University where he had built a championship program. Over three seasons with the Bison, a NCAA Division II team in the North Central Conference, Wacker compiled an overall record of 24–9–1, revitalizing a squad that had struggled to a 2–7 mark the previous year under prior leadership.[13] His arrival marked a swift turnaround, instilling a winning culture through disciplined preparation and emphasis on fundamentals suited to the rigors of Midwestern competition. In 1976, Wacker's first season, the Bison finished 9–3 and captured the North Central Conference title with a perfect 6–0 league record, earning a berth in the playoffs where they advanced to the semifinals before falling 10–3 to Montana State in the Grantland Rice Bowl. The following year, 1977, North Dakota State again dominated the conference at 6–0–1 en route to a 9–2–1 overall mark and another playoff semifinal appearance, losing 31–7 to Jacksonville State in the Grantland Rice Bowl. These back-to-back conference championships highlighted Wacker's ability to foster team unity and strategic execution in a colder climate far from his Texas roots, transforming the Bison into a regional powerhouse.[14][3] Wacker's defenses played a pivotal role in the Bison's success, holding opponents to low scores in key games and contributing to the team's physical, grind-it-out style that wore down conference foes. The 1978 campaign ended at 6–4 overall (4–2 in conference), a solid but less dominant year that still positioned North Dakota State competitively. Seeking greater opportunities at a larger program, Wacker departed after the season to become head coach at Southwest Texas State University, leaving behind a foundation of sustained excellence that enabled his successor, Don Morton, to build on the momentum and secure a national championship in 1983.[15]Southwest Texas State University
Jim Wacker served as head football coach at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) from 1979 to 1982, compiling an overall record of 42–8, which remains the highest winning percentage in program history.[5] In his first season of 1979, the Bobcats finished 7–4 overall and 3–4 in the Lone Star Conference, laying the groundwork for future success.[5] The following year, in 1980, Wacker led the team to its first Lone Star Conference championship with an 8–3 record, including a 6–1 conference mark.[5] This marked the beginning of three consecutive conference titles, as the Bobcats also claimed the Lone Star crown in 1981 (13–1 overall, 6–1 conference) and 1982 (14–0 overall, 7–0 conference).[5][3] Wacker's tenure peaked with back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships in 1981 and 1982, elevating the program to national prominence. In 1981, despite one regular-season loss, the Bobcats dominated the playoffs, defeating Jacksonville State 38–22 in the quarterfinals, Northern Michigan 62–0 in the semifinals, and North Dakota State 42–13 in the championship game.[5] The 1982 season was undefeated at 14–0, with playoff victories over Fort Valley State (27–6), Jacksonville State (19–14), and UC Davis (34–9) in the title game, showcasing playoff dominance during his time there.[5] Key recruits like quarterback Mike Miller, who threw for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1981 while earning MVP honors, along with players such as Mark Mattingly, Elvis Shaw, and Norris Powell, fueled these runs.[5] Wacker was named the 1982 College Division II Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association for his achievements.[4][5] Central to Wacker's approach was the "Wacker's Winners" philosophy, which emphasized enthusiasm on the field, academic excellence, and personal integrity as core to building character and team success.[10][16] This mindset not only produced winning teams but also transformed Southwest Texas State football from a regional program into a national powerhouse, drawing widespread attention and setting a standard for holistic athlete development.[5][2]Texas Christian University
Jim Wacker served as head football coach at Texas Christian University (TCU) from 1983 to 1991, compiling an overall record of 40–58–2 during his nine-year tenure in the competitive Southwest Conference (SWC).[1] He inherited a struggling program that had posted a dismal 17–90–3 record over the previous decade, prompting a major rebuilding effort focused on instilling discipline and adapting his high-energy, run-and-shoot offensive blueprint from prior successes at Southwest Texas State.[2] Wacker's first season in 1983 yielded just a 1–8–2 mark, highlighting the initial challenges of transitioning to Division I-A competition against powerhouse SWC rivals like Texas, Texas A&M, and Arkansas, where superior resources and recruiting pipelines often dominated.[17] The 1984 season marked a dramatic turnaround, as TCU finished 8–4 overall and 5–3 in conference play, tying for third in the SWC and securing the program's first bowl appearance in 13 years.[18] This success propelled the Horned Frogs to the Bluebonnet Bowl, where they fell 31–12 to West Virginia, resulting in Wacker's lone bowl record of 0–1 at TCU. For engineering this revival, Wacker earned the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award and the Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year honors, recognizing his ability to elevate a perennial underdog through innovative schemes and player motivation.[5] The campaign included notable upsets and a peak national ranking of No. 12, TCU's highest since 1960, underscoring the impact of his rebuilding philosophy amid the SWC's intense recruiting battles.[19] Subsequent years brought persistent challenges, including a 1985 recruiting scandal where Wacker self-reported violations involving booster payments to seven players, leading to suspensions and NCAA sanctions that hampered momentum and exacerbated recruiting difficulties in a conference rife with similar issues.[20] The Horned Frogs endured mostly losing seasons from 1985 to 1990, with records ranging from 3–8 to 5–6, as Wacker grappled with talent attrition, financial constraints, and the SWC's cutthroat environment that favored larger programs.[17] Despite these hurdles, he fostered a culture of integrity, culminating in a resurgent 7–4 finish in 1991 that prompted his departure to the University of Minnesota for a higher-profile opportunity.[21]University of Minnesota
Jim Wacker was hired as the head football coach at the University of Minnesota in December 1991, taking over the Golden Gophers program ahead of the 1992 season.[22] Over his five-year tenure from 1992 to 1996, Wacker compiled an overall record of 16–39, with a particularly challenging 7–31 mark in Big Ten Conference play.[23][24] His teams finished with sub-.500 records each year: 2–9 in 1992, 4–7 in 1993, 3–8 in 1994, 3–8 in 1995, and 4–7 in 1996.[25] Amid these on-field difficulties, Wacker prioritized academic excellence and player development, transforming the program into a model of integrity within the competitive Big Ten landscape.[26] His Golden Gophers led the conference in Academic All-Big Ten selections for three consecutive years and topped graduation rates annually during his tenure.[23][3] Wacker enforced strict behavioral standards and a commitment to NCAA compliance, helping the team avoid scandals that plagued other high-profile programs at the time.[26] The Gophers faced significant challenges against conference rivals, contributing to their poor Big Ten standing, though Wacker's squads achieved notable upsets, including consecutive victories over Wisconsin in 1993 (28–21) and 1994 (17–14).[27][28] These wins provided rare highlights in an otherwise tough stretch marked by consistent losses to top competition and an emphasis on long-term growth over immediate results.[24] Wacker resigned on November 12, 1996, following a 4–7 season and six straight Big Ten losses, ending his Minnesota tenure after failing to meet expectations for on-field success despite the academic progress.[29][24] His departure left a legacy of principled leadership in a demanding conference environment.[23]Post-coaching career
Broadcasting roles
Following his resignation from the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota in 1996, Jim Wacker entered broadcasting as a color commentator for college football games on CBS Radio, a role he held from 1997 to 1998.[10][2] Wacker's commentary style was marked by infectious enthusiasm and high energy, traits that carried over from his animated sideline presence during his coaching days.[30] This approach brought a positive, engaging perspective to broadcasts, allowing him to offer insights drawn from his philosophy of emphasizing strategic play and building player character, as developed during his tenure at Southwest Texas State University.[10][5] Although specific games are not extensively documented, Wacker contributed analysis to various college matchups over these two seasons, leveraging his four decades of football expertise to enhance listener understanding of game dynamics.[10] His time in the booth sustained his visibility within the college football community following the challenges at Minnesota, providing a platform to remain connected to the sport he loved before transitioning back to university administration.[30][5]Athletic directorship
In 1998, Jim Wacker returned to Southwest Texas State University—his alma mater and former coaching post—as athletic director, a role he assumed after a stint in broadcasting.[5] Drawing on his prior success as head football coach from 1979 to 1982, during which he guided the Bobcats to NCAA Division II national championships in 1981 and 1982, Wacker provided experienced leadership to the department.[31][5] As athletic director, Wacker oversaw the varsity sports programs, managed departmental budgeting, and emphasized the integration of athletics with academic priorities to support student-athlete success.[2][31] He focused on fundraising efforts to bolster program resources. During his tenure, the department achieved 7 conference championships, 4 NCAA team appearances, and won the Southland Conference Commissioner's Cup for the first time since 1995–96 in his initial two seasons.[31] A key initiative under his tenure involved bolstering the football program's competitiveness within the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) Southland Conference, building on the sport's established presence at the university since its 1984 elevation to Division I.[32][31] Wacker retired from the position in 2001 due to health concerns, concluding a three-year term marked by steady administrative guidance during a period of athletic department growth.[4][2]Later life, death, and honors
Personal life and family
Jim Wacker married his wife, Lil, in 1961, and their partnership endured for 42 years until his death.[33] Lil was described by Wacker as his best friend, soul mate, and "the greatest coach's wife, EVER," highlighting the deep personal bond that supported his nomadic coaching career across multiple institutions.[33] The couple shared a profound commitment to football both professionally and personally, often celebrating life's joys together.[33] The Wackers raised three sons: Mike, Steve, and Tom. Mike, who later pursued a coaching career himself, resides in San Antonio with his wife Susie; Steve lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Kyrrha; and Tom is based in Houston with his wife Nikki.[33][5] At the time of Wacker's passing, the family included seven grandchildren: Chris, Karl, and David (from Mike); Jaslyn and Jaryn (from Steve); and Genna and Luke (from Tom).[33] The family's unwavering support was integral to Wacker's frequent relocations for coaching positions, embodying his core values of faith, family, and fellowship.[33][11] Wacker's emphasis on faith and family was deeply influenced by his upbringing as the son of Rev. Herbert Wacker, a Lutheran minister, which instilled a lifelong joyful outlook and commitment to principled living.[33][11] This Lutheran background shaped his personal philosophy, prioritizing relationships and spiritual growth over material pursuits, as reflected in his frequent affirmations that life revolved around "faith, family, friends, fellowship, fun."[33]Illness and death
In 2000, Jim Wacker was diagnosed with a rare form of thymus gland cancer.[30][10] He battled the illness for several years, undergoing treatment while continuing his professional responsibilities as athletic director at Southwest Texas State University.[23] In February 2002, Wacker retired from the athletic directorship position, a decision influenced in part by his deteriorating health.[30][10] As his condition worsened, Wacker entered hospice care at his home in San Marcos, Texas, where he was surrounded by immediate family, including his wife of many years, Lil, and their three sons.[23][10] In his final weeks, he received visits from dozens of friends, former players, and assistant coaches, reflecting the deep connections he had forged throughout his career.[30] Wacker passed away on August 26, 2003, at the age of 66.[23][10] His funeral services were held in San Marcos, with visitation on August 28 at Pennington Funeral Home, followed by a ceremony on August 29 at 11 a.m. in Evans Auditorium on the Texas State University campus, and a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. in San Marcos City Cemetery.[10] Throughout his illness, Wacker's resilience and unwavering positivity—qualities central to his coaching philosophy of enthusiasm and integrity—remained evident, even on his deathbed, where he continued to inspire those around him.[6][10][30]Honors and legacy
Jim Wacker received the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) College Division Coach of the Year award in 1982 for leading Southwest Texas State to an undefeated national championship season.[10] He also earned the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award in 1984, along with recognitions as National Coach of the Year from ESPN, United Press International, and The Sporting News that same year.[5] Wacker was inducted into several halls of fame posthumously and during his lifetime, reflecting his contributions to college football. He entered the Texas Lutheran University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991, honoring his leadership of the Bulldogs to consecutive NAIA Division II national titles in 1974 and 1975.[7] In 2003, Valparaiso University inducted him into its Hall of Fame, recognizing his playing career there as well as his overall coaching success across five institutions.[4] The San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2005, citing his 37-year career that produced four national championships and a reputation for positivity.[3] Texas State University added him to its Hall of Honor in 2019, celebrating his 42-8 record as the program's highest winning percentage.[5] In 2003, shortly after Wacker's death, Texas State named the playing field at UFCU Stadium (formerly Bobcat Stadium) Jim Wacker Field to honor his tenure as coach and athletic director.[34] His legacy endures through four national championships—two NAIA titles at Texas Lutheran and two NCAA Division II crowns at Southwest Texas State in 1981 and 1982—while emphasizing player academics and program integrity, as his teams at Minnesota led the Big Ten in graduation rates and academic honors for multiple years.[3] Wacker's influence extended to his son, Mike Wacker, a longtime basketball coach at Texas Lutheran University who retired in 2022 after walking in his father's footsteps and achieving his own successes in high school and college coaching.[35] Peers remembered him for his boundless enthusiasm and ethical approach; former TCU athletic director Eric Hyman described his energy as "contagious" and always "positive and upbeat," while Minnesota coach Glen Mason praised his honesty and deep care for student-athletes' development beyond the field.[10]Head coaching record
College record
Jim Wacker compiled a head coaching record across five college programs spanning 26 seasons from 1971 to 1996. His teams achieved notable success at the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels early in his career before transitioning to Division I.| Year | School | Conference | Conf. Record | Overall Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Texas Lutheran | Independent | — | 3–7 | |
| 1972 | Texas Lutheran | Independent | — | 5–5 | |
| 1973 | Texas Lutheran | Independent | — | 8–3 | |
| 1974 | Texas Lutheran | Independent | — | 11–0 | NAIA Division II national champions[36] |
| 1975 | Texas Lutheran | Independent | — | 11–1 | NAIA Division II national champions[37] |
| 1976 | North Dakota State | NCC | 6–0 | 9–3 | NCC champions[38] |
| 1977 | North Dakota State | NCC | 6–0–1 | 9–2–1 | NCC champions[39] |
| 1978 | North Dakota State | NCC | 3–3 | 6–4 | |
| 1979 | Southwest Texas State | LSC | 3–4 | 7–4 | |
| 1980 | Southwest Texas State | LSC | 6–1 | 8–3 | LSC champions[5] |
| 1981 | Southwest Texas State | LSC | 6–1 | 13–1 | LSC champions, NCAA Division II national champions[5] |
| 1982 | Southwest Texas State | LSC | 7–0 | 14–0 | LSC champions, NCAA Division II national champions, AFCA College Division Coach of the Year[5] |
| 1983 | TCU | SWC | 1–6–1 | 1–8–2 | |
| 1984 | TCU | SWC | 5–3 | 8–4 | Bluebonnet Bowl (L 14–31 vs. West Virginia)[18] |
| 1985 | TCU | SWC | 0–8 | 3–8 | |
| 1986 | TCU | SWC | 1–7 | 3–8 | |
| 1987 | TCU | SWC | 3–4 | 5–6 | |
| 1988 | TCU | SWC | 2–5 | 4–7 | |
| 1989 | TCU | SWC | 2–6 | 4–7 | |
| 1990 | TCU | SWC | 3–5 | 5–6 | |
| 1991 | TCU | SWC | 4–4 | 7–4 | |
| 1992 | Minnesota | Big Ten | 2–6 | 2–9 | |
| 1993 | Minnesota | Big Ten | 3–5 | 4–7 | |
| 1994 | Minnesota | Big Ten | 1–7 | 3–8 | |
| 1995 | Minnesota | Big Ten | 1–7 | 3–8 | |
| 1996 | Minnesota | Big Ten | 1–7 | 4–7 |
Playoff and bowl record
During his tenure as head coach, Jim Wacker led his teams to four national championships across NAIA Division II and NCAA Division II levels, compiling an overall playoff record of 11–3 in 14 postseason games across seven appearances. His squads demonstrated dominance in lower-division playoffs, particularly through back-to-back titles at Texas Lutheran University in 1974 and 1975, and consecutive NCAA Division II crowns at Southwest Texas State University in 1981 and 1982. These successes highlighted Wacker's ability to prepare teams for high-stakes environments, often shutting out or overwhelming opponents in key matchups.[40][7][41] Wacker's playoff achievements began at Texas Lutheran, where his teams advanced to the NAIA Division II semifinals both years en route to undefeated national campaigns. In 1974, the Bulldogs defeated Linfield College 52–8 in the semifinals before claiming the title with a 42–0 shutout of Missouri Valley College in Seguin, Texas. The following year, they edged Hanover College 32–13 in the semifinals and secured the championship 34–8 against California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. At North Dakota State University, Wacker's teams made three consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearances from 1976 to 1978, winning two first-round games but falling in the semifinals twice. In 1976, they edged Eastern Kentucky University 10–7 before a 3–10 loss to Montana State University. The 1977 Bison upset Northern Michigan University 20–6 in the first round but lost 7–31 to Jacksonville State University in the semifinals. In 1978, they were eliminated 7–24 by Northern Michigan in the first round.[42][2] Wacker's pinnacle came at Southwest Texas State, where his teams qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1981 and 1982, going undefeated in five games combined. In 1981, the Bobcats received a first-round bye, then dismantled Northern Michigan 62–0 in the semifinals and defeated Wacker's former program, North Dakota State, 42–13 in the championship game at McAllen, Texas. Repeating as champions in 1982, they opened with a 27–6 first-round win over Fort Valley State College, followed by a 19–14 semifinal victory against Jacksonville State, and capped the season with a 34–9 title-game triumph over the University of California, Davis, again in McAllen. These back-to-back undefeated playoff runs cemented Wacker's reputation as a postseason architect.[41][40][1]| Year | Team | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Texas Lutheran | Semifinal | Linfield | W, 52–8 |
| 1974 | Texas Lutheran | Championship | Missouri Valley | W, 42–0 |
| 1975 | Texas Lutheran | Semifinal | Hanover | W, 32–13 |
| 1975 | Texas Lutheran | Championship | California Lutheran | W, 34–8 |
| 1976 | North Dakota State | First Round | Eastern Kentucky | W, 10–7 |
| 1976 | North Dakota State | Semifinal | Montana State | L, 3–10 |
| 1977 | North Dakota State | First Round | Northern Michigan | W, 20–6 |
| 1977 | North Dakota State | Semifinal | Jacksonville State | L, 7–31 |
| 1978 | North Dakota State | First Round | Northern Michigan | L, 7–24 |
| 1981 | Southwest Texas State | Semifinal | Northern Michigan | W, 62–0 |
| 1981 | Southwest Texas State | Championship | North Dakota State | W, 42–13 |
| 1982 | Southwest Texas State | First Round | Fort Valley State | W, 27–6 |
| 1982 | Southwest Texas State | Semifinal | Jacksonville State | W, 19–14 |
| 1982 | Southwest Texas State | Championship | UC Davis | W, 34–9 |