Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
Our Vision: A community that creates dynamic learners who possess social awareness, confidence, and a belief in their power to succeed.
- Kenmore Town of Tonawanda UFSD
- Overview
KW Alum Honored with Pro Football HOF Award of Excellence
Kenmore West alumnus Jim McNally, a former NFL coach, is one of three recipients of this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Awards of Excellence.
Mr. McNally played football for Kenmore West and then at the University at Buffalo, where he soon became both an offensive and defensive starter. He eventually became a graduate assistant with UB’s freshman team and then an assistant coach for the Bulls. He went on to coach at Marshall University, Boston College, and Wake Forest University before becoming an offensive line coach with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1980. Mr. McNally’s 28-year career as an offensive line coach also included positions with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills. He retired in 2007 after four years as the Bills' offensive line coach.
McNally's success includes playing an integral role in his teams reaching three Super Bowls as well as tutoring legendary Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz. He was once described by USA Today as “perhaps the best offensive line coach in the game.” While at Marshall University, Mr. McNally was part of the coaching staff that took over following the tragic 1970 plane crash which resulted in the deaths of 37 Marshall University football players as well as eight coaches. The tragedy was depicted in the 2006 movie "We Are Marshall.”
The Awards of Excellence, established by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, recognize significant contributors to the game in behind-the-scenes roles such as assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, video directors, and public relations personnel. Mr. McNally had previously been inducted into the Kenmore West Athletic Hall of Fame, UB Athletic Hall of Fame, and Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
It is an honor to see one of our proud alumni distinguished in such a way. Congratulations to Mr. McNally for his success!