Paul Brown

About

Paul Brown was a pioneering American football coach and executive, renowned for his innovative coaching practices. Born on September 7, 1908, in Norwalk, Ohio, Brown began his coaching career at Severn School in 1931. He later became the head coach at Massillon Washington High School, where his teams achieved remarkable success. Brown's career escalated when he coached Ohio State University to a national championship in 1942. After World War II, he founded and coached the Cleveland Browns, leading them to multiple championships in both the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). Brown's legacy extends beyond his championship wins. He modernized coaching by using game film for scouting, hiring full-time assistant staff, and introducing the modern face mask. He also played a significant role in breaking the color barrier in professional sports. Brown co-founded the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968 and served as their coach and general manager until 1975. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Brown's contributions to football have had a lasting impact, making him one of the most influential figures in the sport's history.