Redskins George Allen: Architect of the Over-the-Hill Gang

When discussing the most transformative figures in franchise history, the Redskins George Allen stands out as a coaching legend who reshaped Washington football in the 1970s. Known for his intense leadership style and reliance on veteran talent, Allen brought instant credibility and consistent winning to a team that had long struggled. His tenure not only led the Redskins to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl berth, but also redefined the team’s identity.

Early Life and Coaching Beginnings

Born on April 29, 1918, in Detroit, Michigan, George Herbert Allen developed a passion for football during his youth. He earned varsity letters in football, track, and basketball at Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and graduated in 1937. Allen attended Alma College in Michigan before transferring to Marquette University in Milwaukee. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education from Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) and earned a Master of Science degree in physical education from the University of Michigan in 1947.

Allen began his coaching career at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, from 1948 to 1950, compiling a 16–11–2 record. He then moved to Whittier College in California, where he coached from 1951 to 1956, achieving a 32–22–5 record. His NFL coaching journey started as an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams in 1957, followed by a defensive assistant role with the Chicago Bears.

Joining the Washington Redskins

In January 1971, Allen was hired as the head coach of the Washington Redskins. At that time, the team had not reached the playoffs in over 25 years. Allen’s philosophy was simple yet bold: “The future is now.” He believed in the value of veteran players over unproven rookies, leading to numerous trades that brought experienced players to Washington.

This approach earned the team the nickname “The Over-the-Hill Gang,” reflecting the high average age of its starters. Despite concerns about the team’s age, Allen’s strategy proved successful. In his first season, the Redskins finished with a 9–4–1 record, their best in 26 years. The following year, they achieved an 11–3 record, clinching the NFC East title and advancing to Super Bowl VII.

The Redskins George Allen Was A Winner

Under Allen’s leadership, the Redskins made the playoffs four times in five seasons, including an NFC Championship victory in 1972. His coaching style emphasized discipline, motivation, and a meticulous attention to detail. He was known for his innovative defensive strategies and his ability to get the most out of his veteran players.

Allen’s tenure with the Redskins was marked by a commitment to excellence and a drive to win. He once stated, “I want to win so bad, I’d give a year off my life.” This intense desire for success was evident in his coaching methods and the performance of his teams.

Legacy and Recognition of Redskins George Allen

George Allen’s impact on the Washington Redskins and the NFL was profound. He never had a losing season in seven years with the Redskins, compiling a 67–30–1 record. His innovative approach to team building and game preparation left a lasting legacy in the league.

He was fired in 1977 primarily due to conflicts with team ownership and management, not because of poor performance on the field. Allen had a strong-willed, authoritarian personality and insisted on having control over football operations. He frequently clashed with Redskins owner Edward Bennett Williams over personnel decisions, and spending habits.

On top of that, Allen was famous for trading away future draft picks for veteran players—he believed older, proven players were more dependable. This “win-now” strategy led to short-term success but created long-term concerns about the franchise’s sustainability. Ownership worried Allen was mortgaging the team’s future.

Post Redskins George Allen

After his dismissal, Allen worked as a football analyst for a few years. Providing commentary for NFL broadcasts kept him active in the game. He also occasionally served as a consultant for NFL teams.

In 1978, Allen returned to the Los Angeles Rams, where he had previously coached from 1966–1970. However, this stint was short-lived—he clashed with management almost immediately and was fired during the preseason, before coaching a single regular-season game.

After more than a decade away from the sidelines, Allen made a surprising return to coaching in 1990 at California State University, Long Beach. Despite the program being underfunded and overshadowed, Allen led the team to a winning record (6–5) in his only season there.

Sadly, George Allen passed away just weeks after the season ended, on December 31, 1990, at age 72. He reportedly caught pneumonia after a celebratory Gatorade bath following his final win at Long Beach State. That claim has been heavily disputed (edit: and now debunked).

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Author’s Note:

Pat Fischer told me a great story about George Allen. He told me that if a veteran was getting a little “long in the tooth” and should maybe pack it in, Allen had a very subtle way of letting guys know. Fischer said that Allen would hide the guy’s helmet! If you were at training camp and you couldn’t find your helmet anywhere, you knew that coach Allen was telling you that it was time to think about hanging up the boots.

Over The Hill Gang

Key Defensive Players:

• Diron Talbert – DT, acquired from the Rams
• Jack Pardee – LB, a former Ram who followed Allen
• Chris Hanburger – LB, long-time Redskin and future Hall of Famer
• Myron Pottios – LB, another former Ram
• Bill Brundige – DE
• Pat Fischer – CB, known for toughness despite smaller size
• Brig Owens – S, veteran leader in the secondary

Offensive Contributors:

• Billy Kilmer – QB, brought in from the Saints and became a starter under Allen
• Larry Brown – RB, already on the team but played a key role during the era
• Charlie Harraway – FB
• Jerry Smith – TE, a steady presence during the Allen years
• Charley Taylor – WR, future Hall of Famer who thrived during this time
• Roy Jefferson – WR, added to boost receiving corps

Special Teams / Leadership:

• George Starke – OL, later dubbed “Head Hog” in the 1980s
• Mike Bragg – Punter
• Len Hauss – C, another veteran core lineman

That core group of guys would have an average age of about 30 years old when they went to Super Bowl VII.