Deaths on February 9

Hal Herring, American football player and coach (b. 1924)

Harold Moreland "Hal" Herring (February 24, 1924 – February 9, 2014) was a distinguished American football figure, leaving an indelible mark as both a formidable player and an exceptionally successful coach. His extensive career spanned collegiate football at Auburn University, professional play in both the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) with the Buffalo Bills and the National Football League (NFL) with the powerhouse Cleveland Browns, and ultimately, a significant coaching tenure at Auburn, followed by influential roles with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers.

Early Life, College Years, and Wartime Service

Hailing from Alabama, Herring embarked on his collegiate journey at Auburn University in 1942. However, his academic and athletic pursuits were temporarily halted as he answered the call to serve his country during World War II. This honorable interruption was a common and profound experience for many young men of his generation, significantly impacting their burgeoning careers. Upon his return in 1946, Herring resumed his football career with the Auburn Tigers, showcasing his athletic prowess through the 1948 season. His leadership and skill were undeniable; in his final year, he served as team captain and earned widespread recognition, being named an All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) player by prominent sportswriters. This esteemed accolade highlighted his standing as one of the premier talents in arguably the most competitive conference in college football, demonstrating his exceptional performance and significant contributions to the Auburn team.

Professional Playing Career: From AAFC Challenger to NFL Champion

After graduating from Auburn in 1949, Hal Herring launched his professional football career. He initially joined the Buffalo Bills in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), a vibrant professional league that emerged in 1946 as a significant rival to the established NFL. Herring played one season with the Bills before the AAFC, facing intense competition and financial challenges, ultimately dissolved after the 1949 season. This dissolution led to a unique situation where several AAFC teams, including the dominant Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Baltimore Colts, were absorbed into the NFL. To manage the influx of talented players from the now-defunct AAFC teams, a special dispersal draft was orchestrated. In this pivotal draft, the Cleveland Browns, renowned for their innovative play and championship success under legendary coach Paul Brown, selected Herring, recognizing his potential as a versatile center and linebacker.

Herring transitioned to the NFL with the Browns, playing as an occasional starter at linebacker for three seasons, from 1950 to 1952. His arrival coincided with a period of extraordinary dominance for the Cleveland franchise. In his very first year with the team, 1950, the Browns, fresh from their AAFC dynasty, made an immediate and decisive impact by winning the NFL Championship in a thrilling victory against the Los Angeles Rams, securing the league title in their inaugural NFL season. The team's remarkable success continued, as they reached the NFL Championship game in both 1951 and 1952, though they ultimately fell short in those contests. Herring's contributions as a versatile and reliable player were instrumental in these deep playoff runs, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level of professional football within one of the era's most formidable teams.

A Dominant Defensive Mind: Coaching at Auburn University

In 1953, Hal Herring concluded his playing career to return to his alma mater, Auburn University, accepting a pivotal role overseeing the team's defense, effectively serving as their defensive coordinator. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary 13-year tenure as a collegiate defensive coach, a period during which he cemented his legacy as one of college football's most brilliant defensive minds. Under his meticulous guidance, Auburn's defenses became legendary for their suffocating effectiveness. A staggering six times during his 13 years, his defensive units ranked first in the nation for total defense or scoring defense, and remarkably, they were consistently positioned within the top 10 every single season. This level of consistent, elite performance is a testament to Herring's tactical genius and his unparalleled ability to develop defensive talent.

The crowning achievement of Herring's coaching career at Auburn came in 1957, when the Tigers, under legendary head coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan, captured the coveted college football national championship. This historic title was largely attributed to Herring's impenetrable defense, which allowed an astonishingly low total of just 28 points throughout the entire nine-game season. This remains one of the most dominant defensive performances in college football annals, setting a benchmark for defensive excellence that few teams have ever matched. However, Herring's successful coaching career at Auburn was not without controversy. In 1956, the university faced penalties when the Southeastern Conference (SEC) fined Auburn $2,000, and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) placed the program on a three-year probation. These sanctions stemmed from allegations that Herring had provided $500 each to two halfback recruits, an act that violated recruiting regulations of the era, underscoring the intense competition for talent in collegiate athletics during that period.

Transition to the NFL and Beyond

Following his impactful tenure at Auburn, Hal Herring transitioned back to the professional ranks. In 1966, he made history as the Atlanta Falcons' first-ever defensive coordinator, joining the newly established NFL expansion franchise. His role was crucial in building the foundational defensive scheme for the Falcons during their formative years, a position he held for three seasons. In 1970, Herring further contributed his expertise to the NFL as the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers. After a distinguished career coaching at both collegiate and professional levels, Herring chose to step away from the demanding world of professional football. He accepted a role overseeing sports at a junior college located outside of Atlanta, embarking on a new chapter where he could continue to influence young athletes and contribute to athletic programs in a different, perhaps more community-focused, capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hal Herring

Who was Hal Herring?

Hal Herring was a prominent American football figure known for his dual career as an exceptional player and a highly successful defensive coach. He played college football at Auburn and professionally for the Buffalo Bills (AAFC) and Cleveland Browns (NFL), later becoming the defensive architect for Auburn's 1957 National Championship team and coaching in the NFL.

What impact did World War II have on Hal Herring's college career?

Hal Herring paused his college football career at Auburn University in 1942 to serve in the military during World War II. This service delayed his collegiate football career by several years, a common and patriotic decision for many athletes of his generation.

What was Hal Herring's greatest achievement as a coach at Auburn?

His most notable coaching achievement was leading Auburn University's defense to unprecedented success, culminating in the 1957 college football national championship. Under his guidance, the defense allowed an astonishingly low 28 points for the entire season, and his units ranked first nationally six times while consistently placing in the top 10 during his 13-year tenure.

Did Hal Herring win any professional championships as a player?

Yes, Hal Herring was a key player for the Cleveland Browns when they won the NFL Championship in 1950. This victory marked the Browns' inaugural NFL season after transitioning from the All-America Football Conference.

What notable NFL coaching role did Hal Herring hold?

Hal Herring made history as the Atlanta Falcons' first-ever defensive coordinator in 1966, playing a crucial role in establishing the defensive identity for the newly formed NFL expansion franchise.