The National Football League (NFL) community is mourning the loss of George William Wilson Sr., former head coach of the Detroit Lions, who passed away on November 23, 1978, at the age of 64. Wilson’s contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach, have left an indelible mark on professional football.
Born on February 3, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois, Wilson showcased his athletic prowess early on. He attended Northwestern University, where he played collegiate football and contributed to the Wildcats’ 1936 Big Ten Conference championship. Undrafted in 1937, Wilson signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent. Over ten seasons with the Bears, he played as an end, recording 111 receptions for 1,342 yards and 15 touchdowns. His tenure with the Bears was highlighted by four NFL championships in 1940, 1941, 1943, and 1946, and he earned selections to the NFL All-Star Game from 1940 to 1942.
Transitioning to coaching, Wilson began as an assistant coach under George Halas with the Bears in 1947. In 1949, he joined the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff. Elevated to head coach in 1957, Wilson led the Lions to an 8–4 season and secured the NFL Championship that year, marking the team’s most recent league title. His exemplary leadership earned him the inaugural Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award. Wilson continued as the Lions’ head coach until 1964, amassing a record of 53–45–6.
In 1966, Wilson was appointed as the first head coach of the Miami Dolphins, an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL). His son, George Wilson Jr., served as the team’s starting quarterback during its inaugural season. Despite his efforts, Wilson Sr. was unable to achieve a winning record with the Dolphins and was succeeded by Don Shula in 1970.
Wilson’s legacy in the NFL is profound, with seven championships combined as a player and coach. His dedication to the sport was recognized posthumously with his induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.
The NFL community remembers George Wilson Sr. not only for his achievements on the field but also for his contributions to the game’s rich history. His passing is a significant loss to the sport, and he will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
