Stanford legend Wiggin, coach during ‘The Play’, dies at 91
Paul Wiggin, Stanford’s coach during “The Play” and the school’s defensive player of the century by fan vote, died on Friday at age 91.
Wiggin was a two-time All-American defensive lineman for the Cardinal in the 1950s before being selected in the 1957 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
He played 11 years in the NFL, twice earning Pro Bowl honors.
After retiring from the NFL, the former Manteca High star was a defensive line coach and defensive coordinator for the 49ers from 1968 to 1974. He then became the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach for three seasons, compiling an 11-24 record.
Wiggin took over the Cardinal as head coach in 1980 and oversaw three seasons of John Elway’s college career, including the infamous five-lateral kickoff return by Cal that kept Stanford out of a bowl game in 1982.
He finished his career as a defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings, then joined the team’s front office for more than two decades.
In 2005, Wiggin was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
“His impact on college football spanned generations, and he leaves behind a legacy that will long be remembered,” College Football Hall of Fame chairman Archie Manning said of Wiggin.