Tiger Ellison: Father of the Run & Shoot
While he never coached at a major university, the innovative mind of Ohio high school coach Glenn "Tiger" Ellison is responsible for one of the most significant offensive revolutions in college football history.
In an era dominated by the run, Ellison devised a sophisticated, pass-first system called the "Run & Shoot."
The offense was revolutionary because it allowed receivers to adjust their routes based on the defensive coverage they saw after the snap.
Ellison detailed his philosophy in his influential 1965 book, which became a manual for future offensive gurus. His concepts were later adapted and popularized at the college level by coaches like Mouse Davis and June Jones, and they form the DNA of modern pass-heavy schemes like the Air Raid offense.
As the intellectual father of the modern passing game, Ellison's impact on college football history is immense. 🏈
