The Untold Journey of George Allen: From Coach to Legend

Sports' Forgotten Heroes

George Allen is one of the NFL's legendary coaches. So, to call him a "forgotten hero" is not exactly accurate. Certainly, most avid football fans know about his colorful career as the head coach of the Washington Redskins, and some might even remember him as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. But few know the "behind-the-scenes" story of George Allen and his journey to becoming the legend he was. The fact that he actually offered to pay University of Michigan coach Fritz Crisler for the opportunity to coach. Or, his falling out with Chicago Bears owner/head coach George Halas. Few know that George Allen actually traded the same draft pick to two different teams or that he was a good friend of three different U.S. Presidents. His paranoia when it came to the press or his disdain for seeing trash littered about the practice facility. Allen might actually be the "father" of film study. No one studied it like George Allen. And his attention to Special Teams was way ahead of his time. Allen knew more about the opponent than the opponent knew about themselves. He was an incredible strategist, and his knowledge of the game was the proverbial second to none. If there was a weakness in Allen's method of coaching, most would point to his reliance on veteran players and his reluctance to play rookies or younger players. When you examine the career of George Allen, and you see his incredible winning percentage during the regular season vs. his 2-7 record in the playoffs, you scratch your head and wonder why. Well, it might just have been that reliance on veteran players. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I get into all of that with my guest, Mike Richman. Mike is somewhat of an expert when it comes to the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders), and his latest book, "George Allen: A Football Life," is absolutely fantastic, and we discuss a lot of it here on Sports' Forgotten Heroes.

The examination of George Allen's coaching career reveals a man driven by a profound love for football and an unwavering commitment to winning. The podcast captures the essence of Allen's coaching philosophy, which revolved around discipline, strategy, and a deep understanding of the game. His relationships with players were complex, characterized by both admiration and criticism, particularly regarding his intense coaching style and strict policies. The episode further delves into the intricacies of Allen's time with the Rams, detailing how his innovative defensive schemes and emphasis on special teams were revolutionary for the era, yet how these same traits sometimes alienated him from those he coached. Richmond articulates the paradox of Allen's career: a coach who never experienced a losing season yet struggled to translate regular-season success into playoff victories. The discussion invites listeners to consider the broader implications of Allen's story, exploring themes of ambition, legacy, and the quest for greatness against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive sport.

George Allen's legacy in professional football is a tapestry woven with threads of brilliance, controversy, and resilience. The podcast offers a detailed narrative of his rise from a young, ambitious coach to a figure synonymous with NFL coaching excellence. Listeners are taken through pivotal moments in Allen's life, including his unconventional methods of securing coaching positions—such as offering to pay for opportunities—demonstrating his relentless drive and creativity. The conversation also addresses the challenges Allen faced, including friction with players and management, which ultimately shaped his career trajectory. Special attention is given to his time with the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, where he employed a fierce competitive spirit that led to impressive regular-season records but often resulted in playoff disappointments. The episode serves as a reminder of Allen's significant contributions to the game, while also prompting reflection on the nature of coaching, leadership, and the balance between ambition and collaboration in sports.

The podcast delves into the compelling journey of George Allen, an influential yet often overlooked figure in NFL history. Known for his remarkable coaching prowess, Allen's career is characterized by a blend of innovation and intensity that both captivated and polarized those around him. The discussion highlights his unique approach to coaching, which included an emphasis on special teams and innovative defensive strategies, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Despite his impressive regular-season record, including a remarkable win percentage that places him among the top coaches in NFL history, Allen's postseason performance raises questions about the impact of his intense personality on team dynamics. The episode features insights from Mike Richmond, author of 'George A Football Life,' who provides an in-depth analysis of Allen's early life, his relationships with key figures in football, and the controversies that marked his coaching career. This exploration reveals not just the statistics of a winning coach, but the complex character of a man whose passion for the game was unmatched, yet whose relationships with players and ownership often strained under the weight of his high expectations.

Takeaways:

• George Allen's coaching career is marked by innovation, particularly in special teams strategy.
• Despite his regular season success, George Allen struggled significantly in the playoffs.
• Allen's relationships with players and management were often contentious, leading to his exits.
• His coaching style was characterized by a strict no-nonsense approach that players found challenging.
• Allen's ability to identify talent was evident in his successful draft picks with the Bears.
• The animosity between George Allen and NFL owners ultimately led to his blackballing from the league.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sportshistorynetwork.com
• mikerichmanjournalist.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Morningside College
• Whittier College
• University of Michigan
• Los Angeles Rams
• Chicago Bears
• Buffalo Bills
• Grambling State University
• San Diego Chargers
• NFL
• USFL