Weeb Ewbank
The only coach to win championships in both the NFL and AFL, leading the Colts to two titles before guiding the Jets to Super Bowl III.
via Wikipedia: Weeb Ewbank · see source
Wilbur Charles "Weeb" Ewbank, born in Richmond, Indiana, served as the head coach who guided the Baltimore Colts through their most celebrated era. After joining the franchise in early 1954, he transformed a struggling team into an NFL powerhouse. In 1956, he acquired quarterback Johnny Unitas, sparking a potent offense featuring Raymond Berry and Alan Ameche. Ewbank led the Colts to consecutive NFL championships in 1958 and 1959. Known for his mild-mannered demeanor and simple strategies, he was named coach of the year by the Associated Press after the 1958 season. His tenure ended when owner Carroll Rosenbloom fired him three weeks following a 7–7 finish in 1962.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Franchise Tenure
- 1954–1962
- Major Honours
- 3 Championships (1958 NFL, 1959 NFL, Super Bowl III)
- Hall of Fame
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1978)
- Signature Game
- The Greatest Game Ever Played (1958)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ewbank's path to Baltimore began after he left the Cleveland Browns, where he had served as an assistant under Paul Brown. The Browns won all four AAFC championships and the 1950 NFL title with Ewbank on staff. Despite Brown warning him against taking the job, Ewbank accepted the head coaching role with the Colts in early 1954. He promised to create a system similar to Brown's but needed time to build a winner. The team struggled initially, posting records of 3–9 and 5–6–1. A turning point arrived in 1956 when Ewbank signed Johnny Unitas after the Pittsburgh Steelers cut him. With Otto Graham tutoring Unitas, the offense flourished alongside defensive back Don Shula and halfback Lenny Moore. Although calls for his firing grew during a 3–3 start in 1956, owner Carroll Rosenbloom supported him, allowing Ewbank to stay "forever – or until he fouls up." This patience paid off as the team won the Western Division with a 9–3 record in 1958.
In Their Own Story
The 1958 NFL championship game against the New York Giants became known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." Led by Unitas, Berry, and Ameche, the Colts defeated the Giants 23–17 in sudden-death overtime. This victory drew a massive national television audience, helping elevate professional football's popularity across the United States. The team repeated as champions in 1959 with another 9–3 record. However, performance slipped over the next three seasons. After finishing 7–7 in 1962, Rosenbloom fired Ewbank just three weeks after the final game. He was succeeded by Don Shula, a former Colts player and assistant coach with the Detroit Lions at the time. Ewbank's legacy remains complex; while remembered as humble with a good sense of humor, he could also be harsh with his players.
Reader's Guide
Fans should recognize that Ewbank is the only coach in history to win a championship in both the National Football League and the American Football League. After his departure from Baltimore, he joined the New York Jets in the AFL. Although his first few years were unsuccessful, signing Alabama quarterback Joe Namath in 1965 turned the team into contenders. The Jets won the AFL championship in 1968 and famously upset the NFL's Baltimore Colts to win Super Bowl III in January 1969. Ewbank retired after the 1973 season and settled in Oxford, Ohio. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 and died on November 17, 1998, exactly thirty years after the "Heidi Game." His career spanned from high school coaching in the late 1920s to his military service during World War II at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Did You Know?
- Ewbank was the only coach to win a championship in both the NFL and the AFL.
- Before coaching, Ewbank attended Miami University where he led baseball, basketball, and football teams to state championships despite being only 5 feet 7 inches tall.
- He fired three weeks after the 1962 season ended, following a 7–7 record for the Baltimore Colts.
- Ewbank died on November 17, 1998, which was the 30th anniversary of the "Heidi Game."
- While in the Navy during World War II, he served as an assistant to Paul Brown at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Weeb Ewbank?
Wilbur Charles Ewbank served as the head coach for the Baltimore Colts from 1954 to 1962, transforming them into a dominant force. Originally from Richmond, Indiana, he is widely regarded as one of the franchise's most influential leaders before moving to New York.
What championships did Weeb Ewbank win with the Colts?
During his tenure in Baltimore, he led the team to back-to-back NFL titles in both 1958 and 1959. These victories cemented his legacy as a championship-winning coach within Colts history.
Why is Weeb Ewbank associated with Johnny Unitas?
Ewbank made the pivotal decision to sign quarterback Johnny Unitas in 1956, which revolutionized the team's offense. This partnership created a potent unit that included stars like Raymond Berry and Alan Ameche.
What is Weeb Ewbank's most famous game?
He coached in the 1958 NFL Championship against the New York Giants, often called "The Greatest Game Ever Played." This thrilling contest required a sudden-death overtime period to determine the winner.
Is Weeb Ewbank in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 for his outstanding coaching career. He remains unique as the only coach to win championships in both the NFL and AFL leagues.