Barry Switzer Looks Back On Coaching Michael Winchester

Michael Winchester was the father of six kids and a former OU football player on Barry Switzer's 1985 National Championship team. Winchester was also a long-time employee at Southwest Airlines. The company said he worked there for 29 years. Fellow employees are mourning his loss as are members of Winchester's Sooner family.

Michael Winchester was number 12, the punter, on that Oklahoma Sooners 1985 National Championship team.

“He was an outstanding punter and a great young man,” said Switzer on Wednesday. “It’s tragic what has happened.”

Switzer said he's kept in touch with Michael over the years, saw him frequently at the airport where Winchester was the ramp supervisor overseeing operation crews working on the ground around the airplane.

Southwest Airlines said in a statement:

"Our Southwest Family is grieving, as we are deeply saddened by the loss of our Family Member. Our focus remains on offering support to the Winchester family and Southwest Employees during this difficult time."

“Mike was one of the good guys,” said Switzer. “Anybody that knew Mike Winchester always had a smile on his face. When they look at him because he was a good old country boy.”

Of Michael's six children three played sports at OU: Carolyn played basketball, Rebecca rowing. His Son James Winchester also played at OU and is currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

News 9 learned James left Kansas City immediately after hearing of the news to be with his family in Oklahoma as prayers go out from around the nation and Sooner Nation for the family.

“You never want to outlive your children and I don’t want to outlive my players,” said Switzer.

News 9 been told family members are working on funeral plans, and as soon as details are confirmed News 9 will inform viewers.