Jim Hanifan facts for kids
Hanifan in 2016
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| Personal information | |
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| Born: | September 21, 1933 Compton, California, U.S. |
| Died: | November 24, 2020 (aged 87) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College: | California |
| Career history | |
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James "Jim" Martin Michael Hanifan (born September 21, 1933 – died November 24, 2020) was an American football player and coach. He was known for his long career in the National Football League (NFL).
Hanifan played college football for the California Golden Bears. He then played one season professionally for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). After his playing days, he became a coach. He worked as an assistant coach in college and the NFL. Later, he became a head coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons.
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Playing Career: College and Pro Football
Jim Hanifan played college football at the University of California, Berkeley. He was a very talented player and was named an All-American. In 1954, he led the entire nation in receiving yards.
After college, he played professional football for one season. He joined the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. After his time in the CFL, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
Coaching Career: From High School to the NFL
From 1959 to 1965, Jim Hanifan coached at the high school and junior college levels. He became known as an excellent teacher. He was especially good at coaching the offensive line, which protects the quarterback.
He then became an assistant coach at several universities. These included Utah (1966–1969), California (1970–1971), and San Diego State (1972).
NFL Assistant Coach and Head Coach
In 1973, Hanifan joined the NFL. He became the offensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. He worked there until 1978. In 1977, he was even named the NFL's Assistant Coach of the Year.
After one year with the San Diego Chargers, Hanifan returned to the Cardinals. This time, he became their head coach. He led the team from 1980 to 1985.
During his six seasons as head coach, the Cardinals had 39 wins, 49 losses, and 1 tie. In 1982, the NFL season was shorter due to a player strike. Despite this, Hanifan led the Cardinals to the playoffs.
In 1983, the Cardinals, sometimes called the "Gridbirds," had a good season. They won 8 games, lost 7, and had 1 tie. They even beat the Los Angeles Raiders, who went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
The 1984 season was also exciting. The Cardinals had a 9–7 record. They almost won their division, the NFC East, but lost a close game to the Washington Redskins in the final game. Jim Hanifan's time as head coach for the Cardinals ended in 1985.
Later Coaching Roles
After leaving the Cardinals, Hanifan continued coaching. He became an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons from 1987 to 1989. For a short time in 1989, he was the interim head coach for the Falcons.
He then spent seven seasons as the offensive line coach for the Washington Redskins (1990–1996). His last coaching job was with the St. Louis Rams (1997–2003) before he retired.
Death
Jim Hanifan passed away on November 24, 2020. He was 87 years old and died in St. Louis, Missouri.
Images for kids
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Jim Hanifan (left) with Kurt Warner.
See also
- List of NCAA major college football yearly receiving leaders
