Southeastern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Football (1958-59)

Jim Hess was a two-sport star for Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the 1950’s, but most notably he is recognized as a highly successful football coach.

A native of Farmersville, Texas, Hess was born December 1, 1936, and went on to a standout prep career in both baseball and football. After two seasons at Paris Junior College, Hess came to Southeastern in 1958 and played two seasons on the Savage baseball team under Bloomer Sullivan, serving as the squad’s first basemen. He led the team in hitting both years. He played football at Southeastern under Melvin Brown, serving as the team’s starting fullback and cornerback.

Hess graduated from Southeastern in 1959 and began his coaching career in his hometown of Farmersville before moving on to Rockwell (Texas) High School where he led his team to the Texas Class 2A State Championship in 1964. Jim took his first collegiate head coaching position in 1974 at Angelo State University, and his fifth season with the program, he led the Rams to the NAIA National Championship. He was named the head football coach at Stephen F. Austin University in the fall of 1982 and quickly found success at the NCAA Division I-AAA level as he guided the Lumberjacks to their best season ever in 1986.

Hess was named the head football coach at New Mexico State University in 1990, and in his fourth season, he snapped a 14-year streak of losing seasons for the Aggies before retiring in 1996. He retired after a 29-year career with a 190-128-5 record as a coach. Since his retirement as coach, Jim has served as a personnel scout for the Dallas Cowboys.

Jim Hess’ success on the sidelines brought recognition to himself, the coaching profession, and Southeastern. The University honored him with membership in the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on February 12, 2005.