News Summary
Oklahoma football has brought on Stacey Ford from UCLA to strengthen its front-office staff under the new management of general manager Jim Nagy. With extensive experience in player personnel and recruitment, Ford is expected to play a pivotal role in adapting Oklahoma’s football program to the evolving landscape of college athletics. His previous experience, including key roles at Washington State and UCLA, positions him well to address the challenges faced by the program following a disappointing season. This move aligns with Oklahoma’s commitment to modernize its talent acquisition strategies.
Norman, Oklahoma – Oklahoma football has made a strategic move to enhance its front-office staff by hiring Stacey Ford from UCLA as part of the new general manager Jim Nagy’s team. This hiring is expected to bolster the program’s approach to roster management, talent acquisition, and compliance with the evolving landscape of player compensation in college athletics.
Stacey Ford comes to Oklahoma with robust experience in player personnel, having spent the last two seasons as the director of player personnel at UCLA. His tenure at UCLA has equipped him with valuable insights into scouting and recruitment, essential elements for the Oklahoma football program as it adapts to changes in college football operations.
Before joining UCLA, Ford held the position of director of recruiting at Washington State, where he worked with Ben Arbuckle, who currently serves as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator. This prior collaboration is likely to facilitate a smoother integration into the new role at OU. Ford’s coaching background is extensive, including three seasons as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Warren High School, where he achieved notable success with two undefeated seasons and consecutive San Gabriel Valley League titles. Additionally, he served as the linebackers coach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles.
Ford’s career in coaching began shortly after his graduation from Tuskegee University in 2016, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business administration. His first role was as a player personnel scout intern with the then-Oakland Raiders, where he gained experience in crafting scouting reports and managing player databases.
This new staffing move is part of a broader strategy under Jim Nagy, who came on board this offseason and is anticipated to lead significant changes in how Oklahoma approaches talent evaluation and recruiting. Alongside Ford, Nagy’s growing staff includes assistant general manager Taylor Redd, director of high school scouting Kale Pearson, and assistant director of college scouting Charlie Parkinson. These appointments reflect a commitment to a modern, NFL-style operational model for the program.
The need for change comes on the heels of Oklahoma’s recent performance, which saw the team post a disappointing 6-7 record in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Amidst these challenges, athletic director Joe Castiglione emphasized the importance of innovation within the organization to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape of college football.
Oklahoma football’s ambitions to strengthen its recruitment process and adapt to new player compensation structures indicate a proactive approach toward improving team performance. The hiring of Stacey Ford is expected to bring a fresh perspective and expertise in navigating the intricacies of player acquisition and talent management.
As Oklahoma continues to build on its football program under the new management team, the integration of experienced professionals like Ford signals a dedicated effort to enhance operational efficiency and improve competitiveness in the SEC and beyond. The commitment to rethinking and refining the football program is vital not just for immediate success, but also for long-term relevance in the higher echelons of college football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCLA Football Signs Promising Quarterback Prospects
Additional Resources
- 247 Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- CBS Sports
- Stormin’ in Norman
- Oklahoma Daily
- Wikipedia: Oklahoma Sooners Football
- Google Search: Oklahoma football Stacey Ford
- Google Scholar: Oklahoma football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Oklahoma football 2023
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
