Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi • Page 23

Tjl 9 lciai- I SHJ11 illy Kinard CARL WALTERS' SHA VINS if" 1 leolaces Van If- la New Rebel Coach Billy Kinard Played, Worked In Big Leagues BILLY RUSSELL KINARD, 37, assumed the reins as the 27th head coach in Ole Miss football here yesterday when his appointment as successor to John Howard Vaught was approved by the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning. At the same tame, the board By LARRY GUEST Clarion-Ledger Sports Editor Surprise, surprise Billy and Bruiser Kinard have been named head football coach and athletic director, respectively, at Ole Miss, succeeding Johnny Vaught and IP (Dm ITS approved the appointment of Frank Manning (Bruiser) C. M. "Tad" Smith. The official announcements came just after one p.m.

Thursday afternoon in Jackson at the University Medical Center in a press conference headed by Ole Miss Chancellor Porter Fortune. Joining Fortune at the "head Friday, Jan. 22, 1971 OjC ClatfOnLCD0Ct 1 table" were both of the Kiiards and Smith. Under the advice of his doctors, Vaught was not present, but submitted a written statement. The appointments, which become effective February 1, had been approved earlier Thursday by the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning in plain language, the state college board.

He played pro football with the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills and in addition a brief stint as a high school coach (at Day-tona Beach, Fla.) he has served on staffs of Auburn, Florida and Georgia of the Southeastern Conference and Arkansas of the Southwest Conference. He has been recognized as one of the nation's outstanding ibackfield defensive coaches. He has also been tagged as 'head' coach material" for some time and his appointment to the Ole Miss position comes as no surprise. He is the first alumnus of the school to ever be appointed to the head coach position. He said at a news conference here yesterday afternoon that he had "dreamed" of return-; ing to his alma mater as head coach, was pleased and.

proud to receive the appointment, and ready to "accept the challenge." Kinard as athletic director of the University as successor to C. M. (Tad) Smith. Coach Vaught was appointed assistant director of athletes and will also hold the title of Head Coach Emeritus and will receive the same remuneration that he would have received had he completed the last four years of a contract that was extended during the past fall. Coach Smith is in the last year fhis contract as athletic director.

He will hold the title of Athletic Director Emeritus. The new head coach of the Rebs, Billy Kinard, played high school football at Jack' son Central under Doss Fulton, and was a standout halfback at Ole Miss under Vaught, 1952-55. He played on SEC championship teams in 1954-55 and in three major bowls two Sugar and one Cotton The overall record of the Rebels while Kinard was a player was 34-6-1. Fortune said Vaught and Smith, both of whom suffered heart attacks in October, re auested last week the be re lieved from active responsibilities. He said the Faculty Athletics Committee, comprised of four Ole Miss faculty members, one student, and two alumni, was called into session Saturday and submitted the recommendations for Rebel staff changes which were subsequently submitted to and approved by the college board.

PARTNERSHIP ENDS The retirement of Vaught and Smith ends one of the all-time great college athletic partner-ships. However, neither of the gridiron immortals will be able to Arid It Will Be A Challenge, Too BILLY KINARD new 25-year Reb era devote full time to the creek bank and cane pole. OVER FOOTBALL SHAKEUP Vaught, 61, who steps out as the second winningest of the ac ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Frank (Bruiser) Kinard, long-time assistant coach at Ole Miss, was named to the athletic director's post for the Oxford University at a press conference here Thursday. Kinard is succeeding the retiring Tad Smith. Photo by Robert E.

Lee. THE NEW Ole Miss coach moves into a position held for the: past 24 years by a man (Vaught) whom he (Kinard) described as "The best coach, in my opinion, in the nation." Vaught's over-all record at Ole Miss was 185-58-12 and he developed and directed six Southeastern Conference championship teams, more than any other coach in the loop's history. He suffered a 'heart attack during the past season and the Rebs who had been favored to win the SEC title again wound up with a 7-4 mark, including a loss to Auburn in the Gator Bowl. All kinds of misfortune seemed to hit the Red and Blue the past season, including a heart attack for athletic director Smith, a groin injury and later a broken arm for Archie Manning, brilliant quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate, plus defeats by Southern Mississippi (for the first time ever), Mississippi State and Louisiana State, in addition to Auburn. It is no secret that just about everybody connected with Ole Miss football, from the players and coaches to "lumni, students and other fans, were very much disa-pointed by the ill fortune of the season 1970.

And it is alsd no secret that Billy Kinard is taking over at a time when he is, truly, ac-ceping a "challenge." The 1971 team will have to be See SHAVINS Pg. 5C tive major college football coaches with a 185-58-12 record in his 24 years as head Rebel, will serve out his current four-year contract as Head Coach Quotes From Rebel Staff Excerptsm statement, re- FROM PORTER FORTUNE St VjJSeSnt leased at Thursday's press con- Ole Miss Chancellor Qle Miss and that had a part fArpnr-P in annnuncins! "Billy Kinard has an out-' in his development." Emeritus and Assistant Athletic Director. AD Ole Smith, 65, will stay on the job for one year as Athletic Director Emeritus. 1SS standing record in professional the top-level personnel changes i football and university FROM TAD SMITH Outgoing Reb A.D. football i coaching His experience, his in the Ole Miss Both will maintain full sal-1 laries.

I forceful personality, his proven Since 1925 when I entered program are as follows: leadership, and his devotion to coaching and to his players em- Lauds Coacli After some deliberation and dsicussion among the confer-1 ence principals, the salaries of the University of Mississippi as a freshman I have been closely associated with Ole Miss as student, varsity athlete, coach, nd inentlv aualifv him as head Exclusive FTS coach. (Bruiser) excellence as a man and as a coach is widely recognized. He brings to giate Athletics an enviable record and will guide the Department with a steady and experi- Bruiser Believes Billy Best Man For Position the new head coach and athletic director, were not revealed. Both were given four-year pacts. Billy Kinard, 37, played football at Ole Miss in 1952-55 and in the NFL for four years, and served as assistant coach for a total of ten years at Florida, Georgia, Auburn, and Arkansas, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

As my responsibilities as Director of intercollegiate Athletics pass to the capable hands of Bruiser Kinard, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the many individuals who have brightened the years and made them happy and rewarding. "I cannot fail to give special praise to my colleagues on the enced hand. before assuming the top post at the University of Mississippi NEVER DREAMED coaching staff for their loyalty "I have always hoped to come "With the recommendation of the Athletic Committee, which I wholeheartedly support, I am happy that Tad Smith and Johnny Vaught and the entire coaching will remain in the Ole Miss family. They have been a truly magnificient team and have brought fame and honor to Ole Miss athletics. To them we say "Well done" and extend our heartiest congratulations.

We shall always be indebted to By BUZ CAMPBELL Clarion-Ledger Sports Writer Frank (Bruiser) Kinard fielded only a few questions at Thursday's press conference here that named him to the athletic director's post at Ole Miss and his younger brother, Billy, as the Rebel's head football mentor. But, the 57-year-old replacement for the retiring Tad Smith, furnished one answer that wasn't sought. back to my alma mater," and friendship over the years. One of the most enriching ex Kinard said. "But I never dreamed it would be in this capacity." periences of my life has been the close personal friendship of these men.

Through good times and bad times they maintained their loyalty and optimism and worked untiringly to improve He was the youngest of four brothers to play at Ole Miss. not only for ther winning After Bruiser in 1935-37, George ways been more than brothers-he was the best man in my wedding, my football coach and my best friend. WOULD HAVE WITHDRAWN "But, I would have withdrawn my name from the list of considered replacements for Coach Vaught if I had felt that Bruiser had stuck his neck out in my behalf merely because we are brothers." However, there is no question that Billy, 19-years younger than the incoming AD, will lean heavily on the experience and wisdom of Bruiser. Bruiser, who piloted the Rebs through the last half of the season after a heart attack sidelined Vaught, played nine years of professional football and was All-Pro five of those seasons. BRUISER'S STATEMENT The senior Kinard, in a prepared statement, said, "I consider it a distinct privilege to continue to serve the Univer the athletic program.

The met "No one is going to ask, so I will tell you anyway," smiled tie of their courage is demon strated by the record of the Ole by Introducing J) Finger Tip Styling Miss "athletic teams. To them I am eternally grateful and wish Mississippi's first collegiate All American. BEST MAN teams but also for the leadership, loyalty, and integrity which they have evidenced in all that they did. "I know that Tad Smith, Johnny Vaught, the faculty, the students, the coaching staff, the players, and the Ole Miss Alumni, as well as all Rebel fans, join me in wishing Frank and them every happiness and suc "I didn't recommend Billy for the job because he is my broth lettered at guard in 193840, and Henry, also a guard, played in 19SM0. Bruiser Kinard, a Reb All-American tackle, played nine years of pro ball, was All-Pro five times, and has been an assistant coach at Ole Miss since 1948.

He served as interim head coach the last half of the 1970 season. Bruiser was the state's first collegiate Ail-American and is a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame. TO NAME STAFF In Fortune's statement, he said, entire coaching staff will remain in the Ole er. And, he didn't get the position because he is, but due to the fact that he is the best man I Billy Kinard every success in their new assignments. With our I support they will lead the Oe 'Miss Rebels to new heights! "Forward, Rebels!" available." Neither Bruiser or Billy said sity of Mississippi as the direc any more in the press agenda at the University Center about the brother act, but both made comments later that indicated cess.

"To Bruiser Kinard I express congratulations and success as our new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. He has already made a substantial contribution to the athletic programs and en joys the good wishes of everyone as he deserves. "To Billy Kinard, our new Head Coach, I extend congratulations and best wishes for his success. Billy is one of our own graduates and has proven himself as a great athlete and as a successful coach. Billy, we are all behind you! "GO Statements from Billy Kinard FROM JOHN VAUGHT tor of athletics, following so many years in the coaching all stigmas about the matter profession.

could be dropped. "I am well aware of the fact Miss family." "I submitted his name," that I am following an extreme When asked if that meant Retiring Reb Head "It is with regret that I reliq-uish my duties as an active coach, a decision which I have made solely because of my doctor's orders. My twenty-five years of coaching at Ole Miss have been a rewarding and happy experience. My career has Bruiser continued, "but it was out of my respect for his ly competent administrator in Tad Smith, who was my first Kinard would have to accept the present staff of assistants coaching ability." Billy, moving in for the stepping down John Vaught who and Frank "Bruiser" Kinard, coach at Ole Miss." Bruiser continued that the University athletic program had experienced remarkable growth under Smith's direction in the been enriched by my close asso- new oie Miss football coach and coached him during his years ciaton with hundreds of young intact, Fortune said, "Billy will have a completely free hand in lining up his staff." The Chancellor went on to explain that due to the longtime loyalty of many members of the football staff, that they perhaps would be given other positions (1952-55) as a Red and Blue halfback, said, "We have al- athletic director, respectively, can be found in other stories on this page. men who have distinguished as student athletes at Ole Miss.

No blowing No fading No static No spray PC 4 fit washable it QUICK LOOK AT REBS' NEW COACH "In giving up active coaching, jmy mind and heart are filled jwith gratitude and appreciation to the many individuals who have contributed so much to my career. I am humbled as I recognize the vital role which the players, my fellow coaches, and the faculty and the administra-: tion of the University have had in the success of the athletic program over the at the University should they not be retained as members of the Reb football brass. Fortune also denied rumors that Vaught had been pressured out of either the head coach post or a possible contract as athletic director. "There is absolutely no truth to it. If health had permitted, he (Vaught) would now be A.D.," Fortune said.

Smith described Vaught as being "happy" with his new positions, which will entail mostly advisory and public relations work. last 25 years. "My goal is to continue and expand his program." Kinard, whose booming voice and still-trim phsyique fit to a the role of a standout professional athlete, noted that it was not easy to give up active coaching after 23 years of serving as a member of Vaught's staff. "However, I am looking forward to my work in a new area of athletics at Ole Miss. I am looking forward to working with, and support from the University's alumni, student body, faculty and numerous other friends of Ole Miss.

"Our job is to continue to build Rebel athletics. That is my goal on every level." Bruiser's first official choire. Now we introduce FTS HAIRWEAR a whole new concept in wigs for men. So perfectly pre-trimmed and pre-styled, you never need touch it again. Finger Tip Styling means that you can keep it neat and in place with a few pats of your fingers without even a styling brush or comb.

Because HAIRWEAR is made of Halon, it looks natural, it acts naturally just like human hair. And the patented PC 4 crown construction guarantees accurate, comfortable fit. A I years. I am also gratetui to tne alumni and to the thousands of other loyal fans of Ole Miss. "To the coaching staff, with 88 36 Reg.

45.00 Age-37. Born Jackson, Dec. 16, 1933. High School Jackson Central (All Big Eight halfback, three football letters). Ole Miss Record Four-year football letterman, two year baseball; 126 carries for 4.3 yard average and five touchdowns; 34 pass receptions for 17.4-yard average and four touchdowns.

Pro Career Cleveland, Green Bay and Buffalo (1958-60). Coaching Experience Daytona High (1959); Auburn (1961-64); Florida (1964-67); Georgia (19S7-70); Arkansas (1970). Family Married to former Kay Horton of Jackson, Tenn. Two children, Billy 14, and Kathy 10. Fortune revealed that the younger Kinard had been selected as head coach over present out whose loyalty, proficiency, and friendship I could not have succeeded, I extend my and my wish for their continued success and happiness.

"To Bruiser Kinard, whose outstanding ability is recognized by everyone, I extend congratulations and best wishes. "To Billy Kinard, my suc Ole Miss receiver coach Bob Hairwear by if the 65-year-old Tad decides not to make the trip, will be heading Ole Miss' delegation next week to the winter meetin? Tyler. Tyler had been in the (running for the head coach position earlier this month at DOWNTOWN WESTIAND.MEN'S DEPT. Ml M9RA of the Southeastern Conference in New Orleans. "I am hoping to talk Tad into going, so I can more or less sit back and take notes," Bruiser added with a wink.

cessor as Head Coach, I extend congratulations and wish him success. Billy is a dynamic leader of men and a great ath-ilete who has proven himself a Tampa University. The new Reb boss listed his first priority as interviewing the Ole Miss assistants. He indicated that he could determine whether any charges See KINARD Pg. 2C A REB BILLY KINARD Halfback, 1852-53.