Jim Couch is Oklahoma City's longest-serving city manager. During his tenure which started in 2000, he helped pull off what was seemingly unthinkable — bringing professional sports to the city.
In 2005, Couch was the lead negotiator in getting the New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder into the then-Ford Center, now Chesapeake Energy Arena. Couch is retiring effective Jan. 2, but his fingerprints will be left behind on Oklahoma City's basketball history.
Couch spoke with The Oklahoman on Monday from City Hall.
(Note: A full story on Couch's retirement and impact can be found on Page 1A of today's Oklahoman.