 He served as the head football coach at the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas from 1950 to 1955 and Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas from 1956 to 1968, and compiling a career college football coaching record of 84–89–4.McConnell was named the head football coach at the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas before the start of the 1950 season and held that post through the completion of the 1955 season.His College of Emporia Fighting Presbies football teams posted a record of 39–12–1 in six seasons.