Nelson Stokley 1986-1998
Nelson Stokley was born in Kennedy, Texas in March, of 1944.
He began his coaching career as an LSU graduate assistant in 1968, in 1969 he was co-head coach of the LSU freshman for the next four years.
From 1972 – 1977 Nelson Stokley was the quarterback coach at Virginia Tech.
His next move was to go to Clemson where he became the offensive coordinator from 1979 up until 1986. It was as the offensive coordinator of Clemson that the Tigers won a national title in 1981.
In 1986, Stokley returned home to Louisiana to become head coach of the Louisiana's (USL) Ragin' Cajuns, where he stayed for 13 years.
Perhaps he should have left after 11 years when his record was 61-59-1 * but at the time his son Brandon was a Jr. receiver, and Nelson had just completed 4 straight winning seasons. The future looked bright.
As it happened he finished his Louisiana’s (USL) head coaching career with a 64-78 record, but in hindsight it is much more fun to recall the great years such as wins over nationally ranked Texas A&M close calls against Oklahoma State. The nations #1 turnaround in 1993 . . . yes he provided many fond moments for fans of Louisiana.
He finished up with a winning record in 8 of his 13 years at the helm of Louisiana.
It should also be noted be noted that in the 10 years prior to Nelson Stokley’s tenure there had been a total of 1 player drafted by the NFL. Coach Stokley can be proud of putting such players as R.C. Mullin, Thomas King, Mark Hall, Chris Gannon, Todd Scott, Louis Age, Orlando Thomas, Keno Hills, Anthony Clement, Richie Cunningham, along with his own son Brandon Stokley, in a position to make it in the NFL. Also two of his quarterbacks NFL great Brian Mitchell, and New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Delhomme are a credit to coach Stokley’s tenure.
At least 13 players, in 13 years, when you look at the historical context of getting drafted, and making it at the next level, coach Stokley's endeavors can only be appreciated. These successes will continue helping lay the groundwork for years to come.
Today, Nelson Stokley along with his wife own and run the home of Louisiana’s sports fans “Pete's” Restaurant in Lafayette.
(* Involved two forfeits by Texas Tech)
Quote
Ex UL coach/AD Nelson Stokley back in athletics
Nelson Stokely
Originally Posted by Rebel02
