Pop Ivy, American football player and coach (d. 2003)
Lee Frank "Pop" Ivy: A Coaching Pioneer Across Three Major North American Football Leagues
Lee Frank "Pop" Ivy (January 25, 1916 – May 17, 2003) was a truly exceptional figure in professional football. An accomplished player who transitioned seamlessly into coaching, he holds a singular distinction that underscores his versatility and enduring impact on the sport. Ivy carved a unique path through the football landscape, leaving an indelible mark on multiple organizations.
The Unprecedented Coaching Treble
Pop Ivy is uniquely recognized as the sole individual to have served as a head coach in three distinct and prominent professional football organizations: the National Football League (NFL), the American Football League (AFL), and the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU). This remarkable achievement highlights his adaptability, strategic prowess, and deep understanding of the game across different rulesets and competitive landscapes, spanning both the United States and Canada during a transformative era for professional football.
A Legacy Forged Across Leagues and Borders
Ivy's extensive coaching career saw him lead teams to significant success, leaving an indelible mark on each league he touched. His journey exemplifies a rare breadth of experience in professional sports, establishing him as a legendary figure.
National Football League (NFL)
Ivy's tenure in the NFL included a head coaching role with the St. Louis Cardinals. He led the Cardinals during the 1958 season and for a portion of 1959. His time in the NFL contributed to his reputation as a respected tactician in the league's intensely competitive environment.
American Football League (AFL)
Perhaps his most celebrated period came in the nascent American Football League. As head coach of the Houston Oilers, Ivy achieved immediate and historic success. He guided the Oilers to the league's first two championships, securing the AFL title in both 1960 and 1961. This foundational success was crucial for the credibility and growth of the rival league during a pivotal period in professional football history. He also served briefly as co-coach for the Oilers in 1962 before moving to the Oakland Raiders for part of that same season.
Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) – A Canadian Football Powerhouse
Before his American coaching exploits, Ivy made a significant impact in Canada. He served as a head coach in the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU), which was a major professional football league in Western Canada before its merger into the Canadian Football League (CFL). With the Edmonton Eskimos from 1951 to 1957, Ivy built a dynasty, leading the team to an impressive three consecutive Grey Cup championships in 1954, 1955, and 1956. This era established him as a legendary figure in Canadian football, showcasing his ability to lead teams to sustained excellence.
Pop Ivy's unique multi-league coaching experience solidifies his place as one of football's most distinguished and pioneering figures, reflecting a career of consistent leadership and success across the sport's evolving landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee "Pop" Ivy
- What makes Lee "Pop" Ivy unique in football history?
- Lee "Pop" Ivy holds the unparalleled distinction of being the only person to have served as a head coach in three major professional football leagues: the National Football League (NFL), the American Football League (AFL), and the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU).
- Which teams did Pop Ivy coach in these leagues?
- In the National Football League (NFL), he coached the St. Louis Cardinals (1958-1959).
- In the American Football League (AFL), he coached the Houston Oilers (1960-1962), winning the first two AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961. He also had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders (1962).
- In the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU), he famously coached the Edmonton Eskimos (1951-1957), leading them to three consecutive Grey Cup victories (1954-1956).
- What was the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU)?
- The WIFU was a prominent professional football league based in Western Canada. It operated independently for many years before its teams, along with those from the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU), formally unified in 1958 to establish the Canadian Football League (CFL), which is today the premier professional football league in Canada.
- Did Pop Ivy win any championships as a head coach?
- Yes, Pop Ivy achieved significant championship success. He led the Houston Oilers to the first two AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961. Additionally, he guided the Edmonton Eskimos to three consecutive Grey Cup championships in the WIFU in 1954, 1955, and 1956, solidifying his reputation as a highly successful coach.