Kent Stephenson (2002) - Hall of Fame

Kent Stephenson

Induction:
2002
Class:
1965

Kent Stephenson, a native of Anita, Iowa, has had tremendous success at every level in the sport of football. He played for the Panthers from 1961-65, was named honorable mention all-conference offensive and defensive lineman in 1963 and 1964 and was a co-captain of the 1964 Pecan Bowl team.

He served as President of the Letterman's Club in 1964. He graduated from UNI with a degree in History and Physical Education in 1965 and earned his master's in education from Wayne State (Neb.) in 1966. His coaching career began in 1965 as an assistant at Wayne State, where he remained until 1968. He then moved on to North Dakota from 1969-71, to Southern Methodist from 1972-73, to Iowa from 1974-76, Oklahoma State from 1977-78 and to Kansas from 1979-82.

He entered the professional ranks, serving as offensive line coach for the USFL's Michigan Panthers 1983-84, which won the USFL title. From 1985-91, he was an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks, and he spent his last years coaching from 1991-2000 as the offensive line coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 1997 team led the NFL in rushing and gave up the fewest number of sacks. In all, he coached in nine NFL playoffs, three American Conference Championships, and one Super Bowl. He has been inducted into the Wayne State Hall of Fame.