Jim Perry, the current assistant athletic director at USC, has a unique perspective on former Trojans and Buccaneers Head Coach John McKay, having written McKay: A Coach's Story.
From his obviously deep stock of McKay memories and stories, Perry shares a few thoughts:
"He was the most unforgettable person I've ever met. To say he was a strong personality is an all-time understatement. When he spoke, everyone listened.
"When the team went to see the movie, Patton, with George C. Scott, there was an instant flash of recognition among his coaching staff. 'My God,' they said, 'that's Coach!' And, on the field, he was Patton.
"One of the most impressive things he did was turn around the series with Notre Dame. He lost only one of his last nine games against the Irish (going 6-1-2)–and eight of those were against the great Ara Parseghian.
"He was demanding, decisive and outspoken, but he was also charming, loyal, and, at times, even shy. And he was one of the funniest public speakers in America."
