Billy Dale Tidwell (April 8, 1932 – March 16, 2023) was an American university sports administrator and former college track and field and cross country coach.

After high school, Tidwell attended the Kansas State Teachers College (KSTC) to compete in cross country and track & field.

He was a four-time national NAIA champion and finished 3rd in the 880 yards at the 1955 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

[7] While at Oberlin, Tidwell was the athletic director, cross country and track & field coach, and a professor in the health and education department.

[10] In 1979, Tidwell resigned as the athletics director, while continuing to teach and became the cross country and track & field coach for five years.