He was catalyst for SEC football – Spurrier
Bill Arnsparger began league surge by hiring Spurrier
ATHENS – The distinguished gentleman in the gray cardigan rose, crossed the room, unzipped a bag and came over to me, handing me a bit of history to hold.
It was a Super Bowl ring – from the Miami Dolphins’ 17-0 season – an exquisite, hefty gold ring with a giant diamond in the middle, 16 smaller ones framing it.
To sit for a half-hour visit with Bill Arnsparger, as I did Saturday morning at the home of his son David, the head coach at West Limestone High, is to hold a bit of history, too.
Bill Arnsparger may have come into prominence as the defensive coordinator of the Dolphins during their back-to-back Super Bowl wins. He was also head coach of the New York Giants and at Louisiana State.
But I’ll promote the notion that he forever changed the face of Southeastern Conference football with one decision.
He is the man who hired Steve Spurrier.
al.com
5/26/08
