Paul Brown
Inducted:
1967
Player Stats
Born:
September 7, 1908
Norwalk, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
August 5, 1991
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Coach
General Manager
College:
Ohio State University
Paul Brown revolutionized football with his innovative coaching methods and organizational skills.
He founded and coached the Cleveland Browns, leading them to four AAFC championships and three NFL titles.
Later, he co-founded the Cincinnati Bengals, serving as their first head coach and general manager. Brown introduced numerous innovations, including the use of playbooks, film study, and the draw play.
He was also a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in professional football. His coaching tree includes legends like Don Shula and Bill Walsh.
Brown's impact on the game is immeasurable, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
Brown's Awards and Honors
- 3× UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1957, 1969, 1970)
- 3× The Sporting News Coach of the Year (1949, 1951, 1953)
- AP NFL Coach of the Year (1970)
- AP AFL Coach of the Year (1969)
- 4× AAFC champion (1946–1949)
- Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
- Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor
- NCAA national champion (1942)
- 4× High school national champion (1935, 1936, 1939, 1940)
NFL Records
- 3× NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
As Coach
Cleveland Browns (1946–1962)
Head coach
Cincinnati Bengals (1968–1975)
Head coach
As a staff member / executive
Cleveland Browns (1946–1962)
General manager & part-owner
Cleveland Browns (1963)
Vice president
Cincinnati Bengals (1968–1991)
Owner & president