JP Staples: Ole Miss's Defensive Leader

Who is J.P. Staples of Ole Miss?

J.P. Staples is a former American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Mississippi, where he was a consensus All-American in 1958 and 1959. Staples was selected by the Dallas Texans in the ninth round of the 1960 AFL Draft, but he did not sign with the team. He instead signed with the Houston Oilers of the AFL, where he played for two seasons.

Staples began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi in 1963. He was the head coach at Memphis State University from 1975 to 1980, and at the University of Arkansas from 1981 to 1983. Staples was the athletic director at the University of Mississippi from 1984 to 2003.

Personal Details of J.P. Staples

Name	J.P. Staples
Born	December 24, 1938
Birth Place	Ruleville, Mississippi
Alma Mater	University of Mississippi
Position	Quarterback
NFL Draft	1960, Round 9, Pick 66

J.P. Staples is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Key Aspects of J.P. Staples' Career

# Playing Career

Staples was a standout quarterback at the University of Mississippi. He was a consensus All-American in 1958 and 1959, and he led the Rebels to a share of the SEC championship in 1959.

# Coaching Career

Staples began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi in 1963. He was the head coach at Memphis State University from 1975 to 1980, and at the University of Arkansas from 1981 to 1983. Staples was the athletic director at the University of Mississippi from 1984 to 2003.

# Administrative Career

As athletic director at the University of Mississippi, Staples oversaw the construction of the $90 million Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion. He also hired football coaches Billy Brewer and David Cutcliffe, and basketball coach Andy Kennedy.

J.P. Staples and the University of Mississippi

J.P. Staples is a legendary figure at the University of Mississippi. He is a member of the school's Athletics Hall of Fame, and his number 10 jersey has been retired.

Staples has had a profound impact on the University of Mississippi. He was a key player on the school's first SEC championship team, and he later returned to coach the Rebels and serve as athletic director.

Staples is a true Ole Miss legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Rebels.

J.P. Staples

J.P. Staples is a legendary figure in the history of Ole Miss athletics. As a player, coach, and administrator, Staples has had a profound impact on the university and its athletic programs.

• Quarterback: Staples was a standout quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, leading them to a share of the SEC championship in 1959.
• Coach: Staples returned to Ole Miss as head coach in 1975, leading the Rebels to four bowl games in six seasons.
• Athletic Director: As athletic director from 1984 to 2003, Staples oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion and the hiring of several successful coaches.
• Hall of Famer: Staples is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
• Legacy: Staples' legacy at Ole Miss is one of excellence and leadership. He is a true Ole Miss legend.

Staples' impact on Ole Miss athletics can be seen in the success of the university's athletic programs. The Rebels have won multiple SEC championships and bowl games under Staples' leadership. Staples has also been a key figure in the development of Ole Miss' athletic facilities, including the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion.

Personal Details of J.P. Staples

Name	J.P. Staples
Born	December 24, 1938
Birth Place	Ruleville, Mississippi
Alma Mater	University of Mississippi
Position	Quarterback
NFL Draft	1960, Round 9, Pick 66

Staples is a true Ole Miss legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Rebels.

Quarterback

J.P. Staples was a standout quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, leading them to a share of the SEC championship in 1959. This was a significant achievement for Staples and the Rebels, as it was the school's first SEC championship since 1948.

Staples' success as a quarterback was due in part to his athleticism and leadership skills. He was a gifted runner and passer, and he was able to make plays with his arm and his legs. Staples was also a natural leader, and he was able to motivate his teammates to play at their best.Staples' success as a quarterback is an important part of his legacy at Ole Miss. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history, and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to his success on the field, Staples was also a successful coach and administrator. He returned to Ole Miss as head coach in 1975, and he led the Rebels to four bowl games in six seasons. Staples also served as athletic director at Ole Miss from 1984 to 2003, and he oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion.

Staples is a true Ole Miss legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Rebels.

Coach

Staples' return to Ole Miss as head coach in 1975 was a significant event in the history of the program. Staples was a legendary figure at Ole Miss, having led the Rebels to a share of the SEC championship in 1959 as a player. His return to the school as head coach was met with great excitement and anticipation.

Staples did not disappoint. In his six seasons as head coach, he led the Rebels to four bowl games, including the 1977 Sugar Bowl. He also won two SEC Coach of the Year awards. Staples' success as head coach helped to restore Ole Miss to national prominence.

Staples' success as head coach is an important part of his legacy at Ole Miss. He is considered one of the greatest coaches in school history, and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to his success on the field, Staples was also a successful administrator. He served as athletic director at Ole Miss from 1984 to 2003, and he oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion.

Staples is a true Ole Miss legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Rebels.

Athletic Director

J.P. Staples' tenure as athletic director at Ole Miss was a period of significant growth and success for the university's athletic programs. Staples oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion, which increased the stadium's capacity to over 60,000 seats. He also hired several successful coaches, including football coaches Billy Brewer and David Cutcliffe, and basketball coach Andy Kennedy.

Staples' success as athletic director is an important part of his legacy at Ole Miss. He is credited with helping to modernize the university's athletic facilities and hiring the coaches who led the Rebels to several SEC championships and bowl games.

Staples' success as athletic director is a testament to his leadership skills and his commitment to Ole Miss. He was able to raise the funds necessary to build the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion, and he was able to attract some of the top coaches in the country to Ole Miss.

Staples' legacy as athletic director will continue to benefit Ole Miss for many years to come. The Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion is a state-of-the-art facility that will continue to host major sporting events for decades to come. The coaches that Staples hired have led Ole Miss to several SEC championships and bowl games, and they have helped to make Ole Miss a competitive force in the SEC.

Hall of Famer

J.P. Staples' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional achievements as a player and coach. His enshrinement in these prestigious institutions solidifies his status as one of the most accomplished figures in the history of Ole Miss athletics.

• Recognition of Excellence: The College Football Hall of Fame honors the greatest players and coaches in the sport, while the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding athletes and sports figures from the state of Mississippi. Staples' induction into both halls of fame is a recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to the game of football.
• Legacy and Inspiration: Staples' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame serves as an inspiration to young athletes and coaches. His story demonstrates the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving one's goals.
• Pride for Ole Miss: Staples' induction into these halls of fame brings pride and recognition to the University of Mississippi. His accomplishments reflect positively on the university's athletic programs and its commitment to excellence.

J.P. Staples' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. His accomplishments as a player and coach have left an indelible mark on the sport of football and have brought honor to the University of Mississippi.

Legacy

J.P. Staples' legacy at Ole Miss is one of excellence and leadership. As a player, coach, and administrator, Staples has had a profound impact on the university and its athletic programs. His legacy is one of winning, integrity, and service.

• Winning: Staples was a winner on the field and off. He was a key member of the 1959 Ole Miss football team that won a share of the SEC championship. As a coach, he led the Rebels to four bowl games in six seasons. As athletic director, he oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion and the hiring of several successful coaches.
• Integrity: Staples was a man of integrity. He was respected by his players, coaches, and colleagues. He was known for his honesty and fairness.
• Service: Staples was a dedicated servant to Ole Miss. He gave his time and energy to the university both on and off the field. He was a mentor to young people and a role model for the entire Ole Miss community.

Staples' legacy is one that will continue to inspire generations of Ole Miss students and athletes. He is a true Ole Miss legend.

FAQs about J.P. Staples of Ole Miss

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about J.P. Staples, a legendary figure in Ole Miss athletics.

Question 1: What is J.P. Staples' legacy at Ole Miss?

J.P. Staples' legacy at Ole Miss is one of excellence and leadership. As a player, coach, and administrator, he had a profound impact on the university and its athletic programs. His legacy is one of winning, integrity, and service.

Question 2: What are some of J.P. Staples' most notable achievements?

As a player, J.P. Staples was a key member of the 1959 Ole Miss football team that won a share of the SEC championship. As a coach, he led the Rebels to four bowl games in six seasons. As athletic director, he oversaw the construction of the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium expansion and the hiring of several successful coaches.

Summary: J.P. Staples is a true Ole Miss legend. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Ole Miss students and athletes.

Conclusion on J.P. Staples of Ole Miss

J.P. Staples is a legendary figure in Ole Miss athletics. As a player, coach, and administrator, he has had a profound impact on the university and its athletic programs. Throughout his career, Staples has exemplified excellence, leadership, and integrity.

Staples' legacy at Ole Miss is one that will continue to inspire generations of students and athletes. He is a true Ole Miss legend, and his impact on the university will be felt for many years to come.