"Paul Durham, the late Linfield football coach and athletic director who posted the first 12 winning records in a 59-year streak for the Wildcats that continues today, is up for one of the highest honors available in college football.
"Durham was placed on the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame ballot, one of 200 players and coaches across all levels of football to be considered for the College Football Hall of Fame’s 2016 class. If elected, Durham would be the second Linfield coach to receive the honor, after Ad Rutschman (1968-1991; inducted in 1998).
"Durham compiled a 122-51-10 record as head coach of the Wildcats from 1948 to 1967, winning six Northwest Conference championships and making two NAIA national championship games. He also held the athletic director title from 1949 to 1968, taught classes at Linfield College and served as sports editor of the McMinnville News-Register.
"All dues-paying members of the National Football Foundation are eligible to vote on the nominated coaches and players. Candidates not selected will automatically go through voting procedures again the following year.
"Durham, who died in 2007 at age 93, is one of four nominees with Oregon ties, including former Oregon State linebacker Steve Brown, former Oregon State center John Didion and former Oregon State defensive tackle Jess Lewis."
N-R Photo: "A bronze monument of Paul Durham, the late Linfield football coach and athletic director, is unveiled on Oct. 18, 2014 ... on the Linfield College" campus. "Durham is on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2016."
