J. Brian Whitworth was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama undergraduate school (1954-1958) and its law school (1959-1961). After graduation he began work with Phillips Petroleum of Bartlesville, Oklahoma (now ConocoPhillips) rising to become Executive Vice President & General Counsel - Government Relations & Human Resources in charge of its legal and administrative headquarters executives.
Whitworth's father, JB "Ears" Whitworth, was the head football coach at the University of Alabama (1954-1958) following "Red" Drew and just before arrival of Coach Bear Bryant. This short period was highlighted by quarterback Bart Starr who went on to pro football fame with Green Bay Packers.
