| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 23, 1920 Sunnyside, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | October 1, 2005 (aged 85) Olympia, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Montana, 1942[1][2] |
| Playing career | |
| 1939–1941 | Montana |
| Position(s) | Quarterback, halfback, end |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1947–1955 | Hoquiam HS (WA) |
| 1956 | Washington (freshman) |
| 1957–1958 | Texas (assistant) |
| 1959–1966 | Olympia HS (WA) |
| 1967–1975 | Montana |
| 1976–1985 | Capital HS (WA) |
| 1992 | Frankfurt Galaxy (WR) |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1967–1975 | Montana |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 51–41–1 (college) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 2 Big Sky (1969, 1970) | |
| Awards | |
| 3× Big Sky Coach of the Year (1967, 1969, 1970) | |
Harold Jack Swarthout (February 23, 1920 – October 1, 2005)[3] was an American college football player, coach, and administrator. He served as head football coach and athletic director at his alma mater, the University of Montana, from 1967 through 1975. Swarthout compiled an overall record of 51–41–1 (.554), winning Big Sky Conference championships in 1969 and 1970.
Swarthout played for the Grizzlies in the three seasons immediately prior to World War II as an undersized but exciting back, nicknamed "Rabbit."[4] He graduated from Montana in 1942,[1][2] served in the U.S. Army during the war, then coached high school football in Hoquiam, Washington.[5]