George Allen was born on April 29, 1918, in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. He grew up in nearby St. Clair Shores. His father was a chauffeur. George played football, basketball, and track at Lake Shore High School. He graduated in 1937.
He earned degrees from Eastern Michigan and the University of Michigan. He served in the Navy during World War II.
Allen began coaching in 1948 at Morningside College. In 1951, he moved to Whittier College. By 1957, he joined the NFL. He worked under Sid Gillman with the Rams, then joined the Chicago Bears. There, he built one of the league’s strongest defenses.
In 1966, Allen became head coach of the Rams. He brought discipline and veteran players. In 1971, he became head coach of the Washington Redskins. He turned them into contenders. In 1972, they reached the Super Bowl. He never had a losing NFL season.
Allen later coached in the USFL. His final coaching job was at Long Beach State in 1990.
He died on December 31, 1990, at age 72.
