Jan. 7, 1965 - Harry Gilmer, a former all-America quarterback at Alabama and an assistant coach of the Minnesota Vikings, was named today the head coach of the Detroit Lions of the NFL.
Gilmer, 38, received a three-year contract with an annual salary of $25,000 from William Clay Ford, owner of the Lions. Two weeks ago, Ford fired five assistant coaches. The head coach, George Wilson, resigned two days later.
Gilmer, a former NFL quarterback with the Redskins and Lions, ended his playing career in 1957 when he went to Pittsburgh as an assistant to the former Detroit head coach, Buddy Parker. He served as Parker’s assistant until he joined the staff of Norm Van Brocklin in Minnesota.
“No question about it,” Van Brocklin said today. “Harry can be tough if he has to. And he can be tough without doing a lot of shouting.
“He’s got the perfect disposition to be an NFL head coach. He’s got a great mind, he’s a fine teacher, and he’s got patience.”
Though his primary duties were with the defensive backs, Gilmer called the defensive plays for the Vikings I love the guy. Tell him that when you see him. I hope the Lions win 12 out of 14 games for him next year. We’ll be out to beat him twice.”
Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s
Comments