| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | Western Michigan Broncos |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 5–4–1 |
| Conf Record: | 4–1–1 |
| Head Coach: | Merle Schlosser |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Mvp: | Ed Chlebek |
| Captain: | Mike Snodgrass, Ken Reasor |
| Stadium: | Waldo Stadium |
| Bowl: | Aviation Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | L 12–20 vs. New Mexico |
The 1961 Western Michigan Broncos football team represented Western Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1961 college football season. In their fifth season under head coach Merle Schlosser, the Broncos compiled a 5–4–1 record (4–1–1 against MAC opponents), finished in second place in the MAC, and were outscored by their opponents, 179 to 143.[1] [2] The team played its home games at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.[3]
Center Mike Snodgrass and guard Ken Reasor were the team captains.[4] Quarterback Ed Chlebek received the team's most outstanding player award.[5]