Paul Dietzel

Paul Dietzel was an influential American football coach best known for leading the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 1958. He innovated the famous "Chinese Bandits" defensive unit and later served as head coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point and the University of South Carolina. His career also included a tenure as the athletic director at Louisiana State University.

Early life and education

Born in Fremont, Ohio, he was raised in Mansfield, Ohio. He attended Mansfield Senior High School before enrolling at Duke University, where he played college football for the Blue Devils under coach Eddie Cameron. His education was interrupted by service in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he played for the RedHawks and earned a degree in education.

Playing and early coaching career

His playing career as a center and linebacker concluded at Miami University. He immediately began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater under Ara Parseghian. He then served as an assistant at the University of Kentucky under Bear Bryant, at the United States Military Academy under Earl Blaik, at the University of Cincinnati, and at West Virginia University. These formative years under renowned mentors prepared him for a head coaching role.

Head coaching career

In 1955, he was appointed head coach at Louisiana State University. His most celebrated achievement came in the 1958 season, when his Tigers, featuring the stifling "Chinese Bandits" defense and stars like Billy Cannon, finished 11–0, defeated Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, and were awarded the national championship by the Associated Press. He received the AFCA Coach of the Year award. In 1962, he succeeded Dale Hall as head coach at the United States Military Academy, leading the Black Knights for four seasons. He then took over the struggling program at the University of South Carolina in 1966, guiding the Gamecocks to the ACC championship in 1969 and a victory in the Peach Bowl. He retired from coaching after the 1974 season.

Later life and death

He returned to Louisiana State University in 1976 to serve as its athletic director, a position he held until 1977. He remained a prominent figure in the sport, often appearing at events for the American Football Coaches Association and LSU functions. In his later years, he lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He passed away in Baton Rouge in September 2013 at the age of 89.

Legacy and honors

His legacy is cemented by the 1958 national championship and his innovative "Chinese Bandits" defense, which became a part of college football lore. His coaching tree includes assistants like Charley McClendon and Donnie Duncan. Major honors include the AFCA Coach of the Year award, the SEC Coach of the Year award, and induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. The Paul Dietzel Award is presented annually to LSU's most valuable player.

Category:American football coaches Category:Louisiana State University people Category:1924 births Category:2013 deaths