Tirrel Burton, American football player and coach (b. 1929)
Tirrel Burton, an influential figure in American football, carved out a remarkable career spanning several decades as a distinguished player, a dedicated coach, and a respected radio broadcaster. Born on November 19, 1929, and passing on January 17, 2017, Burton's legacy is deeply intertwined with some of college football's most iconic programs and moments.
Collegiate Excellence: A Miami University Standout
Burton's journey to prominence began at Miami University, a revered institution often celebrated as the "Cradle of Coaches" for producing numerous coaching legends. Playing as a dynamic halfback, he was a pivotal member of Ara Parseghian's formidable championship teams in both the 1954 and 1955 seasons. Parseghian, who would later achieve legendary status coaching at Notre Dame, recognized Burton's exceptional talent and versatility.
His collegiate career culminated in an extraordinary 1955 season, where he was instrumental in leading the Miami Redskins (now RedHawks) to a historic undefeated and untied record. This perfect season underscored Burton's multifaceted athletic prowess. He dominated various statistical categories, leading the team in:
- Rushing yardage
- Scoring (points)
- Pass interceptions (showcasing his defensive capabilities)
- Kickoff returns
- Punt returns
Beyond his all-around statistical leadership, Burton etched his name into Miami University's record books by breaking the all-time single-season scoring record, a testament to his explosive playmaking ability and significant offensive contributions.
Brief Foray into Professional Football
Following his stellar collegiate career, Tirrel Burton transitioned to the professional ranks, playing one season in 1956. He joined the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League (CFL), one of North America's premier professional football organizations. This brief but notable period marked his experience at the highest level of competitive play.
A Distinguished Coaching Tenure
After his playing days, Burton seamlessly transitioned into a coaching career, dedicating decades to developing collegiate athletes. His coaching journey included significant assistant roles at prominent universities:
- Central State University (1968): His initial step into coaching, contributing to the program.
- Miami University (1969): A return to his alma mater, where he continued to shape young talent.
- University of Michigan (1970–1991): This marked the longest and arguably most impactful period of his coaching career, spanning an impressive 21 years. During his tenure, Burton was a key part of the coaching staff for one of college football's most storied and successful programs, the Michigan Wolverines. His long service at Michigan underscored his commitment and deep understanding of the game at an elite level.
The Voice of the Wolverines: A Broadcasting Legacy
In 1994, Tirrel Burton embarked on yet another chapter of his illustrious career, becoming a revered radio announcer for Michigan Wolverines football games. Broadcasting on WUOM radio, the flagship station for Michigan Radio, Burton brought his profound knowledge of the game and unique insights to legions of Wolverines fans. He continued in this beloved role for over two decades, until shortly before his passing in 2017, solidifying his status as a familiar and cherished voice associated with Michigan football for generations of listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tirrel Burton
- What was Tirrel Burton's primary sport and roles?
- Tirrel Burton was primarily an American football athlete who excelled as a player, later transitioned to a long and successful career as a coach, and finally became a prominent radio broadcaster.
- Which college teams did Tirrel Burton play for and coach?
- He played college football as a halfback for Miami University (1954-1955) under legendary coach Ara Parseghian. As a coach, he served at Central State University (1968), returned to Miami University (1969), and spent a significant 21-year tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan (1970-1991).
- What were Tirrel Burton's key accomplishments as a player at Miami University?
- At Miami University, he was a key player on Ara Parseghian's championship teams. In 1955, he led the undefeated and untied team in rushing, scoring, pass interceptions, kickoff returns, and punt returns, while also breaking the university's all-time single-season scoring record.
- Did Tirrel Burton play professional football?
- Yes, he played one season of professional football in 1956 for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
- What was Tirrel Burton's role with Michigan Wolverines football after coaching?
- After his coaching career, Tirrel Burton became a beloved radio announcer for Michigan Wolverines football games on WUOM radio starting in 1994, a role he held for over two decades until his passing.