Bob Ferguson

Bob Ferguson (born November 5, 1950) is an American football executive who served as general manager of the Arizona Cardinals from 1999 to 2002 and the Seattle Seahawks from 2003 to 2004.

Early life Ferguson was born in Enumclaw, Washington and raised in Federal Way, Washington. He played linebacker for the University of Washington and earned a communications degree from there in 1973. In 1989 he was given the additional title of assistant general manager. He helped build the Bills teams that made four consecutive Super Bowls. Ferguson oversaw Denver's college and professional scouting and worked with head coach Wade Phillips and general manager John Beake on player acquisition. The team credited Ferguson for its aggressive approach to free agency in 1993 and 1994, which saw the team sign Rod Bernstine, Robert Delpino, Anthony Miller, Brian Habib, Dave Wyman, and Ray Crockett. Wade Phillips was fired after the 1994 season and his successor, Mike Shanahan, removed Ferguson's power to take the initiative in pursuing free agents. Ferguson was fired on January 19, 1996.

Arizona Cardinals On February 21, 1996, Ferguson was named special assistant to Arizona Cardinals president Bill Bidwill. As the team had no general manager, Ferguson, assistant GM Joe Woolley, director of pro scouting Keith Kidd, and head coach Vince Tobin made personnel decisions by committee. In 1997, Ferguson was named the Cardinals' vice president of player personnel. He traded the Cardinals first round pick in the 1998 NFL draft to the San Diego Chargers, who moved up to take quarterback Ryan Leaf, in exchange for picks used to take Andre Wadsworth, Corey Chavous, David Boston. In 1998, the Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time in 25 years and won their first playoff game in 50 years. During his tenure in Arizona, the Cardinals compiled a 41–71 record and made the playoffs once. He was fired on January 6, 2003.

Seattle Seahawks On February 10, 2003, Ferguson was named general manager of the Seattle Seahawks. He succeeded Mike Holmgren, who agreed to step down as general manager, but remained as head coach. The Seahawks went 10–6 in 2003 and 9–7 in 2004; making the playoffs both seasons.