Jim Hanifan was a former American football player and coach who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of California, where he was a standout offensive lineman. After college, Hanifan was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1954 NFL Draft.
Hanifan played for the 49ers for five seasons before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 1959. He played for the Lions for two seasons before retiring as a player in 1961. After his playing career, Hanifan began coaching, starting as an assistant coach at the University of Utah.
In 1973, Hanifan joined the NFL as an offensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. He quickly became known as one of the best offensive line coaches in the league, and helped the Cardinals reach the playoffs in 1974 and 1975. In 1977, Hanifan was promoted to head coach of the Cardinals, a position he held for six seasons.
As head coach, Hanifan led the Cardinals to two playoff appearances, in 1982 and 1984. He was known for his innovative offensive schemes, and for his ability to motivate his players. Hanifan was also known for his colorful personality, and was a popular figure among Cardinals fans.
After leaving the Cardinals in 1985, Hanifan spent one season as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons. He then joined the Washington Redskins as offensive line coach, where he helped the team win Super Bowl XXII in 1988. Hanifan retired from coaching after the 1989 season.
In addition to his coaching career, Hanifan was also a successful broadcaster. He worked as a color commentator for CBS and Fox, and was known for his insightful analysis and folksy charm. Hanifan was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, and was a beloved figure in the city for his contributions to the Cardinals and the community.
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