George Allen, Sr.

George “George Allen, Sr.” – Life, Coaching Legacy, and Lessons

Explore the life and career of George Allen (April 29, 1918 – December 31, 1990), the Hall of Fame American football coach known for his “future is now” philosophy, motivational style, and influence on coaching and team building in the NFL.

Introduction

George Herbert Allen (April 29, 1918 – December 31, 1990) was an iconic American football coach whose impact on the NFL endures through his innovative methods, emphasis on veteran players, and consummate drive for winning. Over a 12-season head coaching career with the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, Allen never fielded a losing team in the regular season. His motto, “The future is now,” signaled a radical approach: favoring seasoned players over developing prospects, pushing for immediate results, and mastering all facets of team operations.

Allen’s life story is one of perseverance, intensity, and uncompromising standards. Though controversial at times, his influence on coaching philosophy, roster building, and team culture remains deeply felt in professional football.

Early Life and Education

George Allen was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on April 29, 1918, to parents Loretta and Earl Raymond Allen.

Allen went on to college at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University), earning a bachelor’s degree in education.

Before his football career took off, Allen served in the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program during World War II, which helped shape his leadership ethos and discipline.

Coaching Journey & Achievements

College Coaching Beginnings

Allen’s early coaching career began in the college ranks. He served as head coach at:

• Morningside College (Iowa) from 1948 to 1950, amassing a 16–11–2 record.

• Whittier College (California) from 1951 to 1956, compiling a 32–22–5 record.

He also coached baseball during some of his time at Whittier.

These roles allowed Allen to refine his coaching style, manage programs, and gain experience in player development and tactical planning.

NFL Assistant and Personnel Roles

Allen entered the NFL in 1957 as an assistant coach (offensive ends coach) with the Los Angeles Rams.

In 1958, he moved to the Chicago Bears, where he served both as coach and head of player personnel over an extended period. His work with the Bears included overseeing defensive strategy and personnel decisions.

His time in Chicago helped set the stage for his philosophy of carefully constructing rosters and emphasizing defense, special teams, and veteran leadership.

Head Coach: Rams and Redskins

Allen’s first NFL head coaching position came with the Los Angeles Rams in 1966. NFL Coach of the Year in 1967.

He stayed with the Rams through 1970, consistently winning, though the team fell short of a championship under his leadership.

In 1971, Allen crossed to the Washington Redskins, where he served as both head coach and general manager. Super Bowl VII (1972 season), though they lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins.

Over his NFL head coaching career, Allen compiled a regular-season record of 116–47–5, making the playoffs in seven of his twelve seasons.

He briefly returned to the Rams in 1978 but was dismissed before the regular season.

Later, he coached in the USFL (Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers) and in 1990 at Long Beach State, where he led the team to a 6–5 record.

Honors & Legacy

• Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

• He was named NFL Coach of the Year twice (1967, 1971).

• He is remembered as one of the most consistent winners in NFL history: he never coached a losing regular season.

• His winning percentage ranks among the best ever for NFL coaches.

Allen’s coaching tree is also significant, with many assistants who became head coaches in their own right.

Coaching Philosophy, Style, and Innovations

George Allen was known not just for wins but for the manner in which he built, managed, and motivated teams. Some of his key principles:

• “The future is now.” Allen prioritized winning immediately over long-term development. He preferred proven veterans over rookies and was unafraid to trade draft picks for established talent.

• Emphasis on special teams. Allen was among the first to stand up special teams as a major focus, hiring dedicated coaches (e.g., Dick Vermeil) to manage those units.

• Meticulous attention to detail. Allen was famously demanding, organized, and relentless in preparation. He often worked extremely long hours and maintained tight control over roster construction and operations.

• Motivator & cultural builder. Coaches and players regularly viewed Allen as a firebrand who could galvanize his teams with passion, expectations, and accountability.

• Veteran core + cohesion. He built teams around players who not only had experience but also bought into his system and culture. His Redskins teams, especially, became known for their camaraderie and disciplined execution.

• Willingness to challenge the establishment. Allen’s approach sometimes alienated team owners or front offices, as his desire for autonomy and his aggressive roster moves drew friction.

While his style was polarizing, there’s no question that many aspects of modern NFL coaching and roster management—such as the valuing of special teams, veteran leadership, and holistic control of team affairs—owe something to Allen’s influence.

Personal Life & Final Years

George Allen married Henrietta “Etty” Lumbroso, and they had four children: George (later U.S. Senator and Virginia Governor), Bruce (NFL executive), Gregory, and Jennifer.

Allen was known to lead an intense life. He sometimes slept at training facilities to maximize preparation time.

On December 31, 1990, Allen died from ventricular fibrillation at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He was 72 years old.

A controversial anecdote grew after his death: some speculated that a Gatorade shower (a celebratory dumping of cold liquid) might have contributed to his demise. His family later denied any causal link, pointing instead to existing heart arrhythmia.

Memorials to him exist, including the renaming of fields at Long Beach State and youth facilities in his name.

Famous Quotes & Aphorisms

While Allen was more known for deeds than for memorable lines, a few quotes and attributed philosophies encapsulate his mindset:

• “The future is now.” — Perhaps his most famous phrase, encapsulating his urgency to win immediately rather than plan for the distant future.

• He believed in discipline, consistency, and a fighting spirit as foundational to success.

• In tributes and family reflections, he’s remembered as someone who held to his convictions firmly—even when unpopular.

Lessons from George Allen’s Life and Career

George Allen’s story offers many insights into leadership, strategy, and organizational culture—lessons that carry beyond sports:

1. Ambition must be matched by execution.
   Allen’s urgency to win right now drove him to build systems and habits to support that ambition. Vision alone won’t suffice without discipline in implementation.

2. Culture is shaped, not incidental.
   His insistence on veteran leadership, expectations, and accountability meant that every player and coach understood both the standard and the means to achieve it.

3. Leadership sometimes means friction.
   Tens of famous coaches manage conflict. Allen’s clashes with owners, personnel, and media show that strong convictions often generate resistance—but can also produce breakthrough results.

4. Detail orientation can amplify performance.
   Allen’s attention to all facets—coaching, roster, special teams, scouting—helped reduce blind spots. In many fields, the difference between good and great lies in the details.

5. Legacy is multifaceted.
   Even though some viewed his methods as extreme, Allen’s influence endures in how modern NFL teams approach roster construction, coaching hierarchy, and culture.

6. Sustainability and balance matter.
   Some criticisms of Allen involve sustainability: he rarely prioritized grooming younger players, and that led to decline after his prime. Leadership must mix short-term success with long-term renewal.

Conclusion

George Herbert “George Allen, Sr.” was a transformative figure in American professional football—an uncompromising competitor, a master tactician, and a coach who demanded excellence on every level. His ability to turn around teams, his philosophical boldness, and his unrelenting work ethic left a mark on how the NFL is organized, coached, and contested.