University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Jim Rice came to UWEC in 1957 as the head football coach and continued in that role until 1968 when Link Walker took over. Rice won conference championships in 1963 and 1964 and was named NAIA District 14 Coach of the Year in 1963. Those championship teams posted records of 7-0 and 7-2. After stepping down as head coach, Rice became the Director of Athletics, replacing Bill Zorn. He held that position until 1975 when Steve Kurth became AD. Rice died on February 23, 1978 after suffering a stroke 15 months earlier.