Mildren is perhaps best known as the "Godfather of the Wishbone" going back to his days as quarterback at the University of Oklahoma Introduced at OU in October 1970 by head coach Chuck Fairbanks, the success of "The Bone" depended on a quarterback with a rare combination of quickness, strength, and intelligence. Posting a mediocre 6–4 record in Mildren's sophomore year in 1969 and off to a lackluster 2–1 start in 1970, Fairbanks' Sooners installed the option offense during the two-week period between a home loss to and the annual Red River Rivalry clash against arch-rival Texas. Despite losing to the Longhorns, most career touchdown passes, and season passing efficiency record. OU won its first nine games and fell just short of a national championship, losing at home in Norman on Thanksgiving to eventual champ Nebraska, billed as the Game of the Century. The defending national champion Cornhuskers gambled defensively by taking halfback Greg Pruitt out of the action and forced Mildren to defeat them virtually on his own; he threw for two touchdowns and ran for Mildren was named both All-American and Academic All-American his senior season. He was also named the Sugar Bowl MVP after the Sooners' victory over #5 Auburn in New Orleans on New Year's Day, a game OU led Mildren's 1971 single-season record for yards rushing by a quarterback was broken three seasons later by Freddie Solomon.
In 1990, Mildren was elected the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. In 1994, Mildren was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Oklahoma, losing to Republican Frank Keating by approximately 17% of the popular vote. Although Mildren was at first the frontrunner in the Governor's race, 1994 was a strong year for the Republican party while President Bill Clinton was controversial nationally and unpopular in Oklahoma. The Republican congressional landslide of 1994 included the historic takeover of both houses of the U.S. Congress.
Career in banking
Mildren served as the Vice-Chairman for the Arvest Bank Group, and as an announcer for Jox 930 WKY – Oklahoma's oldest radio station – which is an all-sports radio station in Oklahoma City. He was also a regular contributor on WWLS The Sports Animal, having a regular segment with Al and Jim.
Personal life
Mildren had three children; Leigh Woody, Lauren Buchanan and Andrew Mildren. His lineage now includes grandsons: Jacob Mildren Woody, Christopher Russell Woody, Jack Culver Mildren and Lucas Taylor Buchanan; and he had two granddaughters Elizabeth Grace Mildren and Olivia Claire Mildren. He is survived as well by his wife Janis.
