Bill Redell Legendary Occidental Quarterback

Born on April 17, 1941, in Red Bluff, California, William "Bill" Redell distinguished himself as a remarkably versatile two-way player during his college career at Occidental College. His exceptional balance and consistent performance laid the foundation for a successful professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and a subsequent impactful journey as a high school football coach. His multifaceted contributions to the sport earned him lasting recognition.  

✦ College Career

Bill Redell's time as the quarterback and defensive back for the Occidental College Tigers in the 1962 and 1963 seasons showcased his extraordinary athleticism and versatility. Nicknamed "the Falcon," Redell was a true threat on both sides of the ball. As a quarterback, he amassed 1,567 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to lead the offense through the air. Equally impressive was his ground game, where he rushed for 1,583 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. Defensively, Redell proved to be a ball-hawking defensive back, intercepting seven passes. His contributions extended to special teams, where he successfully kicked 36 out of 43 extra-point attempts. This consistent excellence culminated in his selection to the NAIA All-America team in 1963, highlighting his dominance at the small college level.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Following his stellar college career, Bill Redell transitioned to professional football in the Canadian Football League. He played for six seasons, from 1965 to 1970, suiting up for three different teams: the Edmonton Eskimos, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and the Calgary Stampeders. While specific statistics from his CFL career might be less widely publicized than his college achievements, his longevity in a professional league speaks to his continued athletic ability and football acumen. The experience gained in the CFL further honed his understanding of the game and likely influenced his later coaching career.  

✦ Football Legacy

Bill Redell's football legacy extends beyond his playing days, encompassing a significant impact as a high school football coach. After retiring from the CFL in 1970, he embarked on a coaching career, initially as an assistant at Cal State-Fullerton and California Lutheran University. His most notable coaching achievement came as the first head coach of the newly established football program at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California. Under his leadership, Oaks Christian quickly became a powerhouse program, demonstrating his ability to build a successful team from the ground up. His success as a coach further solidified his place as a respected figure in the football community.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ NAIA All-America Team: 1963  

✦ Occidental College Career Passing Yards: 1,567  

✦ Occidental College Career Passing Touchdowns: 11

✦ Occidental College Career Rushing Yards: 1,583  

✦ Occidental College Career Rushing Touchdowns: 8

✦ Occidental College Career Rushing Average: 6.3 yards per carry  

✦ Occidental College Career Interceptions: 7

✦ Occidental College Career Extra Points Made: 36 (out of 43 attempts)  

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2001