Jess Stiles - A Legend in Texas Tech Athletics
September 24, 2005 | Football
Sept. 24, 2005
By Molly O'Mara, Texas Tech Athletic Media Relations
Commanding the attention of a football program and an athletic department is a difficult task but Jess Stiles has managed to do it for almost forty years. As a coach, an administrator, a friend and a mentor, Stiles has solidified his role as a Red Raider unlike any other. From the courtesy car program to blessing the football season at the kick-off luncheon, Stiles has impacted Texas Tech athletics through his dedication, determination and positive attitude that few departments have the honor of witnessing.
"Anytime you ask him to help you or the department, he will find a way to get it done," said athletic director Gerald Myers. "You can always depend on Jess. He's always willing to help. He always been very positive and he always sees the best in Texas Tech athletics. He is always willing and eager to assist the department any way that he can."
Stiles was hired by former Texas Tech head coach J.T. King after high school coaching stints in Haskell, Bowie, Wichita Falls and Borger. He spent his first year in Lubbock as an assistant coach for the offensive line with John Connelly with the varsity team and then was named head coach of the freshmen team. The freshmen team was established when the NCAA prohibited all freshmen from competing in varsity sports. Stiles coached three freshmen squads to undefeated seasons.
"Back when coach Stiles was the freshmen football coach, we did not have the academic support staff or the large coaching staff that we do now," explained Myers. "It was his job to work with the freshmen team on the football field and in every aspect of their lives. He was a great person to have in that role. He was like a father to his players."
After the NCAA allowed freshmen to compete on the varsity level, Stiles joined the varsity staff for the 1974 season, under head coach Steve Sloan, and worked with Bill Parcells assisting him with the defensive ends.
"I stayed through all the head coaches and administrators," said Stiles. "I never wanted to leave Texas Tech. My job was very unstable because of all the head coaching changes."
However, Stiles did venture east to College Station where he was a member of the Texas A&M coaching staff under former Red Raider Tom Wilson. Stiles worked with the defensive ends while at Texas A&M.
"I knew in my heart I was coming back to Texas Tech," explained Stiles. "I never wanted to leave Texas Tech because it is my home."
Stiles did return to Lubbock and Texas Tech, but as an administrator.
"The things Jess has done since becoming an administrator have had a great influence on the Texas Tech athletic department," said Myers. "You could not find a better ambassador for Tech athletics then coach Stiles."
As a member of the administration, Stiles has headed such programs as the courtesy car program for coaches and administrators, a beef donation program from West Texas ranchers and the financing of the Athletic Training Center.
"His contributions have enabled us to be where we are today as an athletic department," explained Myers. "He helped us become a strong department and a strong member of the Southwest Conference. He also assisted in transitioning from the Southwest Conference to the Big 12."
To Stiles, it's all still amazing.
"I never dreamed I'd live this long to see all these monumental changes in Texas Tech athletics, including the transition from the SWC to the Big 12. It has been a complete transformation."
Stiles' greatest contribution has been his dedication to coaches and student-athletes and making their lives better and his willingness to promote college athletics.
"I have had so many great experiences with all the Athletic Directors, including Coach Myers, and the head coaches and athletes I have had the privilege and honor of working with," said Stiles. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to work here and I hope I have made contribution."
"His former players think very highly of him as a person and as a coach," said Myers. "They respect him as a man, a coach and a teacher. They also really enjoyed playing for him."
Stiles is humbled by the opportunity given to him by Texas Tech to work in the athletics department. His main concern is always on the student-athletes and the coaches and he hopes, in some way, that he has helped Texas Tech athletics, but the athletics department as also helped him as a person.
"He is the most loyal person I know," remarked Myers. "His loyalty to the people he works with and this department is astounding. He has given his whole adult life to this department. He loves all of our teams and supports all of our athletes and coaches."