Weeb Ewbank, American football player and coach (d. 1998)

Wilbur Charles "Weeb" Ewbank, born on May 6, 1907, and passing away on November 17, 1998, was a towering figure in American professional football coaching. Revered for his quiet demeanor yet profound strategic acumen, Ewbank etched his name into sports history by leading two distinct franchises to championship glory across two different leagues.

A Legacy of Championship Victories

Ewbank's coaching journey culminated in some of the most memorable moments in professional football. He guided the Baltimore Colts to consecutive National Football League (NFL) championships in 1958 and 1959, establishing a dominant force in the league. A decade later, he achieved an even more remarkable feat, orchestrating the New York Jets' stunning victory in Super Bowl III in January 1969. This triumph, often considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history, solidified his legendary status.

His unique achievement lies in being the only coach ever to win championships in both the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) – a testament to his adaptability and skill in two different eras of professional football.

From Multi-Sport Star to Coaching Prodigy

Hailing from Indiana, Ewbank's early life was marked by athletic excellence. He attended Miami University in Ohio, where he showcased his versatility as a multi-sport star, leading his baseball, basketball, and football teams to state championships. This early exposure to team leadership and competitive success undoubtedly shaped his future coaching philosophy.

Upon graduating, Ewbank immediately embarked on his coaching career. He honed his skills at Ohio high schools from 1928 until 1943, a period that saw him develop a foundational understanding of the game. His career took a brief pause during World War II when he answered the call to service, entering the U.S. Navy. While in the military, Ewbank's coaching talents were still utilized, as he served as an assistant to the legendary Paul Brown on a service football team at Naval Station Great Lakes outside of Chicago. This mentorship under Brown would prove invaluable in his professional career.

Discharged in 1945, Ewbank spent three years coaching college sports before reuniting with Brown. This time, he joined him as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns, a professional team competing in the burgeoning All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Under this formidable coaching duo, the Browns were a dynasty, winning all four AAFC championships. Their success continued when the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950, with the Browns clinching the NFL championship in their very first year in the new league, showcasing a seamless transition and sustained excellence.

Forging Dynasties: The Colts and The Jets

After the 1953 season, Ewbank sought a new challenge, leaving the Browns to become the head coach of the Baltimore Colts. The Colts were a young NFL team, having struggled significantly in their inaugural season. Ewbank’s arrival marked a turning point. In 1956, he made a pivotal decision that would forever alter the course of the franchise, bringing in a raw but immensely talented quarterback named Johnny Unitas. Unitas quickly blossomed into a superstar, becoming the architect of a potent offense that also featured star wide receiver Raymond Berry and powerful fullback Alan Ameche.

Together, they led the Colts to an unforgettable NFL championship in 1958, a game often dubbed "The Greatest Game Ever Played" for its dramatic sudden-death overtime finish. They repeated as champions in 1959, solidifying their place in NFL lore. However, despite their earlier success, the team's performance declined over the subsequent three seasons, leading to Ewbank's dismissal just three weeks after the final game of the 1962 season.

His coaching hiatus was short-lived. Ewbank was soon picked up by the New York Jets, another struggling team, this time in the rival American Football League (AFL). While his initial years in New York were met with limited success, Ewbank’s discerning eye once again proved crucial. In 1965, he signed the flamboyant and supremely talented Alabama quarterback Joe Namath. With Namath at the helm, Ewbank meticulously built the Jets into a formidable contender. The team captured the AFL championship in 1968, setting the stage for their legendary encounter in Super Bowl III.

Against all odds and facing a heavily favored Baltimore Colts team from the established NFL, Namath, famously guaranteed a Jets victory. Under Ewbank's calm and strategic guidance, the Jets delivered on that promise, winning Super Bowl III in a stunning upset that validated the AFL and forever changed the landscape of professional football.

Retirement and Lasting Legacy

Known for his mild-mannered demeanor and a coaching philosophy that emphasized simple, yet flawlessly executed strategies, Ewbank retired after the 1973 season. He chose to settle back in Oxford, Ohio, where his journey had begun years earlier.

His immense contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 1978 when he was deservedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Weeb Ewbank passed away twenty years later in Oxford, on November 17, 1998, a poignant date as it marked the 30th anniversary of the infamous "Heidi Game," a curious footnote in NFL history and a testament to the era in which he coached.

Frequently Asked Questions about Weeb Ewbank

Who was Weeb Ewbank?

Wilbur Charles "Weeb" Ewbank was an iconic American professional football coach, best known for leading the Baltimore Colts to two NFL championships and the New York Jets to victory in Super Bowl III.

What were Ewbank's major coaching achievements?

He coached the Baltimore Colts to NFL championships in 1958 and 1959. Later, he led the New York Jets to win Super Bowl III in January 1969, an historic upset.

What makes Weeb Ewbank unique among football coaches?

Ewbank holds the unique distinction of being the only coach to win a championship in both the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), showcasing his unparalleled ability to succeed across different professional football organizations.

Which famous quarterbacks did Ewbank coach?

He famously coached two Hall of Fame quarterbacks: Johnny Unitas with the Baltimore Colts and Joe Namath with the New York Jets.

What was Weeb Ewbank's coaching philosophy?

Ewbank was known as a mild-mannered coach who favored simple but meticulously well-executed strategies. He focused on fundamental excellence and building cohesive team units.

When was Weeb Ewbank inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, recognizing his lasting impact and success in professional football.

How did Ewbank contribute to the formation of the modern NFL?

By winning Super Bowl III with the AFL's New York Jets against the NFL's Baltimore Colts, Ewbank helped legitimize the American Football League, proving its teams could compete with and defeat the established NFL powerhouses. This victory was crucial in the successful merger and integration of the two leagues, paving the way for the modern NFL.