Assistant Coach John Blake<BR><font size=4>Defensive Line</font>
 | PERSONAL |
| Born: March 6, 1961 Birthplace: Rockford, IL Married: former Freda Harris Children: son, Jourdan College: Oklahoma, 1986 |
| PLAYING CAREER | * Three-year letterman at the University of Oklahoma * Was all-Big VIII playing at nose guard for the Sooners |
| COACHING CAREER | * 1985-86: Graduate Assistant, University of Oklahoma * 1987: Asst. Defensive Line Coach, University of Oklahoma * 1988: Tight Ends/Receivers Coach, University of Oklahoma * 1989: Defensive Line Coach, University of Oklahoma * 1990-92: Linebacker Coach, University of Oklahoma * 1993-95: Defensive Line Coach, Dallas Cowboys [NFL] * 1996-98: Head Coach, University of Oklahoma * 2003-present: Defensive Line Coach, Mississippi State University |
| NOTABLE | Worked with the Oklahoma defensive line during their national championship run in 1985...In addition to his bowl experiences, he also helped coach the Dallas Cowboys to the Super Bowl title during the 1993 and 1995 seasons...Had five of his Cowboy players make the Pro Bowl. |
For John Blake, his hiring this past spring as defensive line coach on Jackie Sherrill's staff served as a return to the college campus, though not a return to the game of football. He had spent the past four seasons directing "A Chance To Advance Football Camp," a developmental camp specializing in defensive linemen. Among his clients were Miami Dolphin defensive end Jason Taylor, Atlanta Falcon linebacker Keith Brooking and St. Louis Ram strong safety Adam Archuletta.
Blake was the head coach at the University of Oklahoma from 1996-98, assuming the top football position at his alma mater at age 33. He posted a three-year, 12-22 mark as the Sooner head coach, but recruited to Norman 18 of the 22 starters that won the national championship in 2000.
Prior to the Oklahoma head coaching stint, Blake was the defensive line coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League from 1993-95. During those three seasons, the Cowboys were Super Bowl Champions (1993 and'95). His '94 defensive front led the league in rush defense and the entire unit was the NFL's top-ranked defense. That group led the NFC and was second in the NFL in sacks. His '93 group was second in the league in scoring defense. Blake had five players make the Pro Bowl during his three seasons.
Blake served as linebacker coach (1990-92), defensive line coach (1989) and tight ends and receivers coach (1988) at Oklahoma immediately before entering the professional ranks. He began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater as a graduate assistant working with the defensive line (1985-86) and as assistant defensive line coach (1987). Oklahoma won the national championship in 1985 and was back-to-back Big VIII champions (1985-86).
That '85 team finished 11-1, defeating Penn State 25-10 in the Orange Bowl. The '86 and '87 teams were 11-1 as well. The former defeated Arkansas 42-8 in the Orange Bowl and the latter earned an Orange Bowl berth as well, dropping the national championship to Miami (Fla.) after an undefeated regular season. The 1988 and '91 teams also earned postseason bowl berths.
A three-year letterman at nose guard during his playing career at Oklahoma, Blake earned all-Big VIII honors for the Sooners. He played for, and later coached under, Barry Switzer with Oklahoma and Dallas, respectively. Blake earned a bachelor's degree in public relations and recreation from OU in 1986.