ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University Head Football Coach Marc Lillibridge announced the hiring of Derek Stanley as the program's Wide Receivers Coach on Friday, Jan. 23.

Stanley joins the Spartans following a playing career that included standout success at the collegiate level, selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, and experience competing in the National Football League, along with a background in coaching, media, and athlete development following his playing days.

A two-sport standout at UW–Whitewater, Stanley competed for the Warhawks football program from 2003-06 while also participating with the men's track and field team during his collegiate career. Between the two sports, he was a nine-time NCAA All-American. On the football field, he developed into one of the most accomplished wide receivers in conference history, earning two All-Region selections and three All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) honors.

Stanley helped guide UW–Whitewater to two WIAC championships and national runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2006. By the conclusion of his collegiate career, he ranked among the WIAC's all-time leaders, posting top-five marks in the conference record book for career receiving touchdowns (35), receiving touchdowns in a game (4), longest kickoff return (97 yards), receiving yards in a season (1,328), and receiving touchdowns in a season (16). He also held multiple UW–Whitewater program records for season and career receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and kickoff returns. His accomplishments later led to his selection to the WIAC All-Time Football Team as part of the league's Centennial Celebration.

Following his collegiate career, Stanley was selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to appear in six NFL games, contributing as a wide receiver and on special teams while competing in NFL training camps and professional practice environments.

After his playing career, Stanley gained experience in coaching, media, and player development. He spent time working with Lindenwood University's football program, assisting with player development and positional preparation, and also served as an analyst with 101 ESPN in St. Louis, providing football commentary and insight on the St. Louis Rams Network pre-game, halftime, and post-game show.

Stanley later transitioned into athlete development and performance roles, working with collegiate, professional, and elite youth athletes while leading performance-focused training programs.

In 2018, he completed a Bachelor of Science, Health & Human Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

He will oversee the development of MBU's wide receivers as the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season.