Office of Communications and Marketing

Press Release

Benedict College names Stan Conner Head Football Coach

December 19, 2006

(See Press Conference Photos)

[Columbia, SC] On Tuesday December 19, 2006, President David H. Swinton and Athletic Director Willie Washington officially announced the hiring of former Alabama A&M Offensive Coordinator, Stan Conner. Conner has completed his 11th season with the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and managed to lead them to their first Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship with a 22-13 victory over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in SWAC Championship Game VIII. Conner also led the 2006 Bulldog team to win the SWAC Eastern Division Title finishing with a record of 9-3.

"I am excited and eager to get started at Benedict," said Conner. "Dr. Swinton and Mr. Washington have provided me with the opportunity to build on top of the legacy and program in which they have set. They have provided me with the opportunity to win football games. It's my task to win football games."

During his tenure at Alabama A&M, he has coached the secondary, running backs, and served as assistant head coach. Conner made his first trip to Alabama in 1994, when he served as the secondary coach. He spent three seasons with the Bulldogs before heading to Lanett High School as the head coach. In 1998, he returned to Alabama A&M as the assistant head coach. In 2002 the team had an overall record of 7-4, from 2003-2006 the overall team record was 8-3 every year. Conner led the Bulldogs in 2000, 2004, 2005, and 2006 to an SWAC Eastern Division Championship.

Conner played for Jackson State, where he was a four year letterman from 1980-1983. During his stay, the Tigers won three SWAC Championships and advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1981 and 1982.

After completing his college playing career in 1983, he joined the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in 1984. After a brief stay in New Orleans, Conner moved on to join the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL.

In 1986, Conner began his coaching career at Alabama State as the wide receivers coach. After three seasons, he returned to Theodore High School in 1990 as the running backs and quarterbacks coach. After one season, in 1991 he took the head coach position at Mobile's LeFlore High School where he was later named the 1993 Mobile County 6A Coach of the Year. The Mobile, Alabama native and his wife Tonya are the proud parents of two daughters, Shelandra and Shequita.

Conner Achievements

• 2006 South Western Atlantic Conference (SWAC) Champions
• 2006 SWAC Eastern Division Champions
• 2006 9 win season
• 2005 SWAC Eastern Division Champions
• 2005, 9 win season, Most in Alabama A&M history
• 2004 SWAC Eastern Division Champions
• 2003 Recruited and coached single season rushing record holder in Alabama A&M history
• 2003 8 win season at Alabama A&M
• 2002 SWAC Eastern Division Champions
• 2002 8 win season at Alabama A&M
• 2000 SWAC Eastern Division Champions
• 1997 Valley Times News, Coach of the Year
• 1996 Coach single season rushing record holder

Source: BC SID

SEE ALSO Article: "Connor tabbed to lead Tigers."

For more information regarding Stan Conner or Benedict College football contact Derrick Johnson in the Office of Sports Information at (803) 733-7421.

Previous Page