Sid Gillman

  • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Coaches 2024
  • Embed from Getty Images
  • Sport(s): Football
  • Statistics: 1 AFL Championship (1963)
    122-99-7 NFL/AFL Record
    1-5 NFL/AFL Postseason Record
    81-19-2 NCAA Record
    Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
    Member of the Los Angeles Chargers Wall of Fame
  • Before he made it to the NFL as a head coach, Sid Gillman had already proven himself with runs at the reins at Miami of Ohio and Cincinnati. Gillman took over the Los Angeles Rams in 1955, taking them to the NFL Championship Game in a loss against Cleveland. The team was up and down, and Rams and Gillman parted ways after the 1959 season, but another opportunity in L.A. was waiting.

    Gillman became the first coach of the American Football League’s Los Angeles Chargers, and it was here where he began experimenting with a deeper passing game. It worked, as Gillman and the Chargers went to five of the first six AFL Championships, winning one in 1963. He stayed with the Chargers until 1969 and returned for two years with the Houston Oilers (1973-74).

    While Gillman only captured one title, he is considered a vital cog in football's evolution.

    We are proud to nominate Sid Gillman for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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