Former Colt and Jet Coach Ewbank Dies at 91

Weeb Ewbank, the winning coach in two of pro football’s most famous championship games, died Tuesday at his home. He was 91.

The cause of death was not released immediately. The Hall of Fame coach was hospitalized briefly last year for treatment of a heart problem.

Ewbank was the only coach to win titles in the American Football League and NFL.

He coached Joe Namath and the New York Jets over the Baltimore Colts, 16-7, in the third Super Bowl, giving the AFL its first title over the more established NFL.

In 1958, Ewbank coached Johnny Unitas and the Colts to a 23-17 overtime victory over the New York Giants. Often called “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” it was credited with making pro football one of the most popular American sports.

Ewbank also led the Colts to the championship over the Giants, 31-16, in 1959.

He posted a 130-129-7 pro coaching record. He coached the Colts from 1954-1962 and the Jets from 1963-1973.

Ewbank, a native of Richmond, Ind., lived with his wife, Lucy, in Oxford. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.