Lou Saban

Lou Saban (February 21, 1921 – March 30, 2009) was an American football coach known for his extensive career across multiple professional leagues and collegiate levels. He is most recognized for his successes with the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s.

Saban's coaching career spanned over four decades. He led the Bills to consecutive AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, establishing a period of dominance for the franchise. Prior to his time with the Bills, Saban coached at Case Institute of Technology (later Case Western Reserve University), Northwestern University, Boston College, and the University of Maryland.

Following his AFL success, Saban continued to coach professionally in the National Football League (NFL), the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Arena Football League (AFL). He held head coaching positions with the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins, and several other teams in various leagues.

Saban was known for his demanding coaching style and emphasis on discipline. He was inducted into the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame. Despite a nomadic career, his achievements with the Buffalo Bills cemented his legacy as a significant figure in American football history, particularly within the context of the AFL's rise. He had a reputation for being a turnaround specialist, often taking over struggling teams and improving their performance.