He served as the head football coach at Purdue University from 1982 to 1986, compiling a record of 21–34–1.
[1] During the 1984 campaign, Burtnett's team posted its best season, in which the highlight of the year was beating number 2 Ohio State 28–23.
[2] The 1984 squad's 7–4 record earned Burtnett the Big Ten Coach of the Year, leading the Boilermakers to the Peach Bowl.
In addition, Burtnett was an assistant under former Purdue Alumnus Ron Meyer with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL).
This biographical article relating to a college football coach first appointed in the 1980s is a stub.