// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Ray Callahan? A ray of hope in a callahan crowd?

For the baseball player, see Ray Callahan (baseball).

Ray Callahan

Biographical details
Born	(1933-04-28)April 28, 1933 Loretto, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	September 2, 2017(2017-09-02) (aged 84) Bracey, Virginia, U.S.
Playing career
1953–1956	Kentucky
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1963–1966	Kentucky (assistant)
1967–1968	Cincinnati (assistant)
1969–1972	Cincinnati
1973	Baltimore Colts (LB)
1974	Florida Blazers (assistant)
1975-1977	Chicago Bears (OL)
1978–1980	Washington Redskins (OL)
1981–1982	Houston Oilers (DL)
1983–1989	New York Jets (DL)
Head coaching record
Overall	20–23

Kenneth Ray Callahan (April 28, 1933 – September 2, 2017) was an American football player and coach. He was recruited by Coach Paul Bear Bryant at the University of Kentucky in 1952 under a full scholarship. Coach Bryant mentored him often taking him fishing and along on other recruiting trips to convince players to come to U.K. to play. He later coached for his alma mater as an assistant coach from 1963 to 1966. He then moved to University of Cincinnati as an assistant coach for 2 years before becoming the head football coach from 1969 to 1972, compiling a record of 20–23. His first pro team was in 1973 with the Baltimore Colts as a linebacker coach under former teammate Howard Schnellenberger. Callahan then took a chance with the World Football League Florida Blazers with Jack Pardee. The Blazers made it to the World Bowl losing to the Birmingham Americans by 1 point but with controversy in the officiating. Coach Callahan then bolted back to the NFL with the Chicago Bears as the offensive line coach in front of Walter Peyton for his first 3 years as a player. The Washington Redskins was his next stop for 3 years of offensive line coach again with Jack Pardee at the helm. Callahan then headed south to Texas with the Houston Oilers as the defensive line coach for 2 years. Joe Walton then called upon Ray Callahan to lead up the defensive line "sack exchange" consisting of Barry Bennett, Marty Lyons, Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, of the New York Jets for the next 7 years. Callahan retired to Bracey, Va on Lake Gaston and enjoyed lake life with his high school sweetheart wife Essie "Lee" Dorsey. Callahan died on September 2, 2017.

Head coaching record

Year	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Bowl/playoffs
Cincinnati Bearcats (Missouri Valley Conference) (1969)
1969	Cincinnati	4–6	2–3	T–3rd
Cincinnati Bearcats (NCAA University Division independent) (1970–1972)
1970	Cincinnati	7–4
1971	Cincinnati	7–4
1972	Cincinnati	2–9
Cincinnati:		20–23	2–3
Total:		20–23