The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Coaches 2023
George Allen
- Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Coaches 2023
- Embed from Getty Images
- Sport(s): Football
-
Statistics:
2 NFL Coach of the Year Awards (1967 & 1971)
116-47-5 NFL Record
2-7 NFL Postseason Record
Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Member of the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame -
An NFL head coach for 12 seasons, George Allen never had a losing season, an incredible accomplishment by any coach in any professional sport.
After serving eight years in various coaching and executive capacities for the Chicago Bears, George Allen signed with the Los Angeles Rams to become their head coach. In Los Angeles, the Allen credo became clear, as his motto "the future is now," often favoring veteran players who could fill a need instead of developing them. Allen also was the first coach to work on the special teams' units, recognizing its value long before most coaches did. Even though he turned the Rams around, he was unable to win a title, and he was surprisingly released by the team in 1970.
The Washington Redskins hired Allen, who brought the same philosophy and traded for seven former Rams. The Redskins went to their first Super Bowl under Allen, and though they lost, they had finally arrived as a power in the modern era. He stayed there until 1977 when he was again dismissed over differing philosophies.
Allen was brought back to Los Angeles, but he clashed with players immediately who rejected what they felt was a disciplinarian style. He never made it to the regular season. He would later have brief stops in the CFL and the USFL, but his career will always be remembered for his Los Angeles and Washington runs.
While Allen’s digits never bore a Super Bowl ring, his .712 winning percentage was a thing of beauty.
We are proud to nominate George Allen for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
Powered by NorrCompetition