Super feeling
Published: 1/19/2009 2:47 PM
Last Modified: 1/19/2009 2:47 PM
Arizona's Super Bowl appearance will be credited to the exploits of Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. But some credit should also be directed to a former Oklahoma State football coach.
Jim Stanley is the last OSU coach to guide the Cowboys to a conference championship (a share of the Big Eight crown in 1976). He also had a considerable behind the scenes role in constructing the Super Bowl-bound Cardinals.
Stanley worked 14 years in the Cardinals' pro personnel department, and served as the department's director for the last 12, before retiring last June. Stanley's duties included monitoring NFL transactions, evaluating pro talent, handling tryouts and free agent contracts.
One of those free agent deals Stanley was involved in four years ago was the signing of Warner, who was viewed by football fans on the downward end of his career. Now, Warner has had a big hand in Arizona's improbable Super Bowl appearance. The same also should be said of Stanley.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
