John McDonnell (July 2, 1938 – June 7, 2021) was a head coach for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks track team.

[4] Titled, John McDonnell: The Most Successful Coach in NCAA History,[5] the University of Arkansas Press publication chronicles the timeline of McDonnell's life, starting at the early beginnings of the famed sports figure's childhood growing up in his beloved native Ireland[6] where he championed record-breaking success as a track star and gained a level of global attention that eventually sparked a life-changing call to move to the United States where he would successfully represent America on the track.

While competing to become a six-time all-American in track and cross country at USL, he became the 1966–67 AAU 3,000-meter champion, and won the mile at the 1966 British Selection Games.

McDonnell was hired as the cross country coach in 1972 and added the entire men's track and field program in 1978.

In addition, McDonnell's team and individual achievements include:[9] The Razorback outdoor track facility on the campus of the University of Arkansas is named in his honor.