Long Beach State University Athletics
Former Long Beach State Football Coach And LBSU Hall Of Famer Jim Stangeland Dies At 92
10/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | General
Stangeland started his coaching career at Long Beach City College, leading the Vikings to national championships in 1960, 1962, and 1964. He parlayed that success into an assistant coach position at USC, where he spent four seasons. During his time as an assistant, the Trojans played in three Rose Bowls and had two Heisman Trophy winners, as well as winning the 1967 national championship.
On the heels of that success, Stangeland was named the third head coach of Long Beach State, beginning in the 1969 season. He found immediate success, leading the 49ers to an 8-3 overall record in his first season.
Then in 1970, Stangeland's 49ers tied a school record with nine wins, and advanced to the 1970 Pasadena Bowl, the only bowl appearance for Long Beach State football. The 49ers would tie Louisville in that game, a 24-24 draw in the Rose Bowl.
That wasn't the only record that Stangeland's 1970 49ers broke however. During the regular season, Long Beach State played host to San Diego State, with the Aztecs coming to Anaheim Stadium boasting a 39-game unbeaten streak. That streak was promptly snapped in front of a crowd of 39,0005, the second-largest attendance for an LBSU home game.
Over five seasons, Stangeland posted a 31-24-2 record with Long Beach State, and led Long Beach State to a pair of PCAA Championships. He ranks third among LBSU football coaches in total wins (Reed, Currey) and winning percentage (Howard, DeLotto).
Stangeland was a member of Long Beach State's third Hall of Fame induction class in 1988, and also is a member of the Long Beach City College Hall of Champions and the California Community College Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
Following his departure from coaching, Stangeland remained in Southern California, working in real estate in Long Beach while residing in Huntington Beach.
Stangeland's immediate family is in the process of planning a Celebration of Life. Anyone who wishes will be welcome to attend.
