| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1945 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | July 6, 2012 (aged 67) Tamarac, Florida, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1963–1965 | Western Michigan |
| Position(s) | Tight end |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1966–1971 | Allegan HS (MI) |
| 1972–1973 | Eastern Michigan (LB/RC) |
| 1974–1976 | Central State (OH) |
| 1977–1981 | North Carolina A&T |
| 1982–1983 | Prairie View A&M |
| 1984 | Oklahoma Outlaws (DL) |
| 1985–1986 | Missouri (DC/ILB) |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1978–1980 | North Carolina A&T (interim AD) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 46–64–1 (college) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| MEAC Coach of the Year (1980) | |
James Ruffin McKinley (February 25, 1945 – July 6, 2012)[1] was an American football player, coach, and businessman. He coached football teams at several historically black colleges and universities, was a defensive coach for the Oklahoma Outlaws of the United States Football League (USFL), and served as executive director of the Heritage Bowl, which he helped create.