Paul Wiggin, NFL Champion and Respected Coach, Dies at 91
Paul Wiggin, a name that resonates with grit, consistency, and class across decades of football history, has passed away at the age of 91. The Minnesota Vikings confirmed the news, marking the loss of a man who left a profound impact on both the NFL and college football.
Wiggin’s football journey began on the field as a defensive end and tackle for the Cleveland Browns. From 1957 to 1967, he was the definition of reliability-never missing a single game in 11 seasons, suiting up for all 146 contests.
In an era when durability was everything, Wiggin’s ironman streak wasn’t just impressive-it was legendary. He anchored a Browns defense that helped deliver the franchise its 1964 NFL Championship, back before the Super Bowl era began, and earned two Pro Bowl selections along the way.
But stats only tell part of the story. Around the league, Wiggin was known as a consummate professional-respected by teammates, coaches, and opponents alike for his work ethic and quiet leadership. He didn’t just play the game; he lived it the right way.
After hanging up his cleats, Wiggin transitioned to coaching, bringing the same level of intensity and intelligence to the sidelines. He started with the San Francisco 49ers, serving as both a defensive and offensive coordinator during his time there. His understanding of the game on both sides of the ball was rare, and it laid the foundation for his next step: becoming a head coach.
In 1975, Wiggin took the reins of the Kansas City Chiefs as their head coach. Though his tenure there was brief, it was a pivotal chapter in his career-one that helped shape his identity as a leader and mentor.
But it was back in college football, at his alma mater Stanford, where Wiggin truly left his mark. As head coach, he helped mold a young John Elway into one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in football history. Their time together wasn’t just about Xs and Os; it was about building character and trust.
One of the most unforgettable moments of Wiggin’s Stanford career came during “The Play” in 1982-a chaotic, last-second kickoff return by Cal that ended with the Stanford band on the field and a crushing loss for Wiggin’s squad. It’s one of the most iconic endings in college football history, and while the game didn’t go Wiggin’s way, it became a defining piece of his legacy-one that showcased the highs and heartbreaks of coaching at the highest level.
Years later, Elway reflected on his former coach with admiration and gratitude. “He’s a tremendous human being,” Elway said in 2022.
“He was a great coach, a great man, one that I’ve always looked up to. In my mind, he’s one of the most quality guys I’ve ever met as far as integrity.”
That integrity followed Wiggin throughout his career. After his time at Stanford, he joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he served in various roles, including assistant coach and personnel executive. Even in the later stages of his career, he remained deeply connected to the game, sharing stories, mentoring younger staff, and providing a link to football’s rich past.
Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf remembered Wiggin not just as a football mind, but as a storyteller who brought the history of the franchise to life. “We had the honor of meeting Paul when we purchased the team in 2005,” they said. “He captivated staff members and us with his stories about the history of the franchise and the NFL.”
Off the field, Wiggin was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Carolynn, their three daughters, and several grandchildren. While football shaped much of his life, it was the people around him-family, players, colleagues-who truly defined his legacy.
Paul Wiggin’s story is one of quiet excellence. He didn’t chase headlines or controversy.
He showed up, did the work, and earned the respect of generations of players and coaches. That kind of legacy doesn’t fade-it gets passed down.
He may be gone, but Paul Wiggin’s presence will continue to echo through locker rooms, film rooms, and sidelines for years to come.