Paul Wiggin: College Football Hall of Fame Coach Dies at 91

Paul Wiggin, Stanford Star and ‘The Play’ Figure, Dies at 91

A legendary figure in both college and professional football, Paul Wiggin, a two-time All-America defensive tackle for Stanford and a long-time NFL coach, passed away Friday at the age of 91. The announcement of his death came from the Cleveland Browns, the Minnesota Vikings, and the National Football Foundation.

Wiggin’s career spanned decades, marked by both on-field excellence and a lasting impact on the sidelines. He was the fourth-oldest living NFF Hall of Famer, a testament to his enduring legacy within the sport.

Did you know?-Paul Wiggin played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, a remarkable feat of consistency and durability for a defensive tackle in that era.

A Defining Moment: “the Play”

Wiggin will forever be linked to one of the most controversial and iconic finishes in college football history: “The Play.” As the coach at Stanford in 1982, he witnessed the chaotic final seconds of the “Big Game” against California, where a series of laterals culminated in a game-winning touchdown after the Stanford band prematurely entered the field. The 25-20 victory for California remains a source of debate to this day.

At the time, Wiggin expressed his dismay, stating, “I think it’s tragic that a Cal-Stanford game had to come down to this.In our hearts and our minds, we won the game.we know we won the game.” The moment continues to be replayed and analyzed, solidifying its place in football lore.

Pro tip:-Defensive tackles need exceptional strength and quickness. Wiggin excelled in both, allowing him to consistently disrupt opposing offenses throughout his career.

From Stanford Star to NFL Pro

Before his coaching career,Wiggin was a dominant force on the field for Stanford,playing from 1954 to 1956. He earned All-America honors twice as a defensive tackle and was later recognized as the school’s Defensive player of the Century in fan voting.

Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 1957 NFL Draft, Wiggin enjoyed an 11-year career with the franchise, remarkably never missing a game. He was selected for two Pro Bowls and played a key role in the Browns’ 1964 NFL championship victory.

Reader question:-How much has the role of the defensive tackle evolved since Wiggin’s playing days? What skills are now prioritized?

A Coaching Journey

Following his playing career, Wiggin transitioned to coaching.He served as an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers from 1968 to 1974 before taking on the role of head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975,replacing Hall of fame coach Hank Stram. His tenure with the Chiefs lasted until 1977, concluding with an 11-24 record.

Wiggin continued his coaching journey as defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints for two years before returning to Stanford as head coach in 1980. He later spent eight seasons (1985-1991) as the Vikings’ defensive line coach, and remained with the organization in various front office roles for nearly 40 years.

“Paul Wiggin represented everything the NFF College Football Hall of Fame aspires to honor, specifically excellence on the field, leadership on the sidelines, and a lifelong commitment to the game,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning in a statement. “His impact on college football spanned generations,and he leaves behind a legacy that will long be remembered. We a