A pioneering figure in American football, he played professionally and coached at the college level, introducing innovative strategies that transformed the sport. He's credited with popularizing the T-formation offense.
Hal Herring is best known for his impressive football career, both as a player and coach, which spanned multiple decades and leagues. He made a name for himself as a dominant center and linebacker, playing professionally for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, and later coaching at Auburn University and in the NFL.
Born on February 24, 1924, in Alabama, Herring enrolled at Auburn University in 1942, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. He served in the military before returning to Auburn in 1946, where he played football and earned an All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) player selection in 1948.
Herring's professional football career began with the Buffalo Bills in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1949. When the AAFC dissolved, he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in a special dispersal draft. Over three seasons, he was an occasional starter at linebacker, helping the Browns win the NFL championship in 1950 and reach the title game in 1951 and 1952.
In 1953, Herring retired from playing and became the defensive coach at Auburn University. During his 13-year tenure, his defenses ranked first in the nation six times and were consistently top-10 performers. Auburn won the college football national championship in 1957, with Herring's defense allowing a mere 28 points.
In 1966, Herring joined the Atlanta Falcons as their first defensive coordinator, a position he held for three seasons. He later served as the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers in 1970 before leaving the professional ranks to oversee sports at a junior college outside of Atlanta.
Although Herring's coaching career was marked by success, it was also tainted by controversy. In 1956, Auburn was fined $2,000 and placed on three-year probation by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) after Herring allegedly gave $500 each to two halfback recruits.
Herring passed away on February 9, 2014, at the age of 89. His legacy as a pioneering football player and coach continues to be celebrated by fans and scholars alike.
89 Years Old
Legendary college football coach who led the Oklahoma Sooners to three national championships and won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his charismatic personality and innovative coaching style.
61 Years Old
A college football star turned actor, known for his charismatic persona and iconic roles in films like "Stone Cold" and TV shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
