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Darrell was an All-American quarterback at the University of Oklahoma before receiving his B.S. degree and moving on to head coaching positions at both Mississippi State and the University of Washington.
In 1956 he accepted the head coaching position at the University of Texas and the legacy began. Throughout his tenure at UT Darrell brought the Longhorn football team to 16 bowl trips winning three National Championships and 11 Southwestern Conference Championships.
Darrell never had a losing season in 23 years as head coach and is credited with two major changes in collegiate football the flip-flop and the wishbone formation. His success on the field was not the only noteworthy accomplishment for what is now referred to as the Royal era as he is also recognized for hiring the nation’s first academic counselor.
Darrell emphasized the importance of success in the classroom and even established a fund for a special ring that he personally awarded every letterman upon graduation. He was also involved in organizing charities and benefits which raised thousands of dollars for various causes. He resigned from his position as head coach after the 1976 season but remained in the position of athletic director for three years. In 1980 Darrell left the athletics department and became a special assistant to the President of the university.
Darrell is now officially retired but still serves as a part-time consultant. His honors include membership in the Texas and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame former President of the American Football Coaches Association and being named Coach of the Year twice by the AFCA. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1983 and was presented with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in 1996. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors for the Barton Creek Country Club where he enjoys playing golf. | 