George Allen (American football coach)

George Allen (April 29, 1918 – December 31, 1990) was an American professional football coach. He is best known for his tenures as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams (1966–1970) and the Washington Redskins (1971–1977), leading both teams to considerable success.

Allen was born in Marquette, Michigan. He began his coaching career at the high school and college levels, achieving notable success at Whittier College before transitioning to the National Football League (NFL).

Coaching Philosophy and Style: Allen was renowned for his intense and demanding coaching style. He emphasized discipline, physical conditioning, and a relentless pursuit of victory. He was a master motivator, known for inspiring his players and fostering a strong team spirit. A key element of his philosophy was the importance of veterans, often acquiring older, experienced players whom he believed could contribute immediately. This approach led to the popular phrase "The Over-the-Hill Gang" to describe his Washington Redskins teams. He also placed significant emphasis on special teams play, often using innovative strategies to gain an advantage.

Career Highlights:

• Los Angeles Rams: Allen took over a struggling Rams franchise and quickly transformed them into a perennial contender, winning the NFL Coastal Division title three times (1967, 1968, 1969).

• Washington Redskins: He led the Redskins to their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl VII (1973), though they lost to the Miami Dolphins. He won the NFC Championship in 1972 and compiled a winning record in all but one of his seasons with the Redskins.

• Coaching Record: Allen compiled a regular season record of 116-47-5 (.705 winning percentage) and a playoff record of 2-7.

Awards and Recognition:

• NFL Coach of the Year (1967, 1972)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
• Washington Redskins Ring of Fame

Controversies: Allen was sometimes criticized for his win-at-all-costs mentality and his willingness to trade away future draft picks for veteran players, potentially sacrificing the long-term health of the team. His departure from both the Rams and Redskins was surrounded by controversy due to clashes with ownership.

Legacy: Despite the controversies, George Allen is remembered as one of the most influential and successful coaches in NFL history. He is credited with popularizing the concept of year-round training and for emphasizing the importance of specialized coaching. His impact on the game continues to be felt today.