George Allen

Washington D.C. area Journalist and Author Mike Richman shares the story of Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach George Allen in a book titled, George Allen: A Football Life.

You can find much more on Mr Richman including information about his books, articles and other projects at Mike Richman Journalist website.

The latest book by Mike Richman is on the legendary Coach George Allen. In this work titled, George Allen: A Football Life, Mr. Richman shares that Allen never experienced a losing season as an NFL head coach and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. In George Allen: A Football Life, Mike Richman captures the life and accomplishments of one of the most successful NFL coaches of all time and one of the game’s greatest innovators.

George Allen spent eight years with the Chicago Bears, serving as an assistant coach, head of player personnel, and defensive coordinator from 1958 to 1965. During this time, he played a significant role in shaping the Bears' defense into one of the most formidable units in the NFL.

George Allen's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, hard work, and attention to detail. He instilled a strong work ethic in his players and demanded that they execute their assignments with precision. He also emphasized the importance of studying opponents and developing game plans that exploited their weaknesses.

The future NFL head coach's impact on the Bears' defense was immediate. In his first season as defensive coordinator in 1962, the Bears allowed only 178 points, the fewest in the NFL. The defense continued to improve under Allen's leadership, and the Bears led the league in fewest points allowed in 1963 and 1965.

Allen's success as a defensive coordinator earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. He was known for his ability to develop talented young players and for his innovative defensive schemes. His coaching style was demanding, but he was also respected by his players for his knowledge and dedication to the game.

George Allen's contributions to the Chicago Bears were significant. He helped to transform the Bears' defense into one of the best in the NFL, and he laid the foundation for the team's success in the 1960s.

George Allen had a successful coaching career with the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1970. He transformed the team from a perennial loser into a contender, leading them to two Western Division titles and two appearances in the NFL Championship Game. Allen was known for his rugged, demanding coaching style and emphasis on discipline and hard work. He was also a master motivator and could get the most out of his players.

• Allen's first season with the Rams was a success. He led the team to an 8-6 record, their first winning season in eight years. In 1967, the Rams won the Coastal Division title with an 11-1-2 record. They lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Championship Game, but the Rams were rising.
• In 1968, the Rams won another Coastal Division title with a 10-4-0 record. They lost to the Detroit Lions in the NFL Championship Game, but they were again one of the best teams in the league.
• In 1969, the Rams went 11-3-0 and won the Western Division title. They lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Championship Game, but they had established themselves as one of the elite teams in the NFL.
• In 1970, the Rams went 9-4-0 but did not win the division. Allen was fired at the end of the season, but he left behind a legacy of success. He led the Rams to a 49-17-4 record in his five seasons as head coach.

Allen coached the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1977, transforming the team from a perennial loser into a contender. He led the Redskins to three consecutive Eastern Division titles and one appearance in Super Bowl VII. Allen was known for his tough, demanding coaching style and his emphasis on discipline and hard work. He was also a master motivator and was able to get the most out of his players.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, see more in Special Thanks section.

• When Allen took over the Redskins in 1971, the team had not had a winning season in 15 years. He immediately began to implement his tough, demanding coaching style, and he quickly turned the team around. The Redskins went 9-4-1 in Allen's first season, their first winning season since 1955.
• In 1972, the Redskins won their first Eastern Division title in 28 years with a record of 11-4-1. They lost to the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl, but they were clearly a team on the rise.
• In 1973, the Redskins won another Eastern Division title with a record of 10-4-0. They lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game, but they were again one of the best teams in the NFL.
• In 1974, the Redskins won their third consecutive Eastern Division title with a record of 10-4-0. They lost to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl VII, but they had established themselves as one of the elite teams in the NFL.
• In 1975, the Redskins went 12-4-0 and won the Eastern Division title for the fourth consecutive year. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game, but they were again a contender.
• In 1976, the Redskins went 7-7-0 and did not win the division. Allen was fired at the end of the season, but he left behind a legacy of success. He led the Redskins to a 72-42-5 record in his seven seasons as head coach.

Image in banner courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of  Pictured: Richard M. Nixon, George Allen, Sonny Jurgensen. Subject: Sports. Credits to Oliver F. Atkins, 1916-1977, Photographer.

Special Thanks fo Author Mike Richman for sharing his time and stories fromt his book on George Allen, George Allen: A Football Life.