Ron Wolf

Last updated

Ron Wolf
Personal information
Born: (1938-12-30) December 30, 1938 (age 85)
New Freedom, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
High school: Susquehannock (Glen Rock, Pennsylvania)
College: Maryville
Career history
As an executive:
Career highlights and awards

Ronald Wolf (born December 30, 1938) [1] is an American former football executive who was a general manager (GM) of the National Football League (NFL)'s Green Bay Packers. Wolf is widely credited with bringing success to a Packers franchise that had rarely won during the two decades prior to Wolf joining the organization. [2] He also played a significant role in personnel operations with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders from 1963 [3] to 1975 and again from 1978 to 1990. He joined Green Bay's front office in November 1991 from a personnel director's job with the New York Jets. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2015. [4]

Contents

Biography

Early life

Wolf was born in New Freedom, Pennsylvania on December 30, 1938. After serving three years in the Army, Wolf played college baseball at Maryville College in Tennessee. [1] After college, he worked for Pro Football Illustrated , a Chicago sports newspaper. [5] [6]

Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

Wolf became a scout for the Raiders in 1963. With the Raiders, Wolf took part in drafting such notable players as Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Ken Stabler, and Jack Tatum, all of whom would play for the Super Bowl XI Championship team in 1976, and later such players as Howie Long, Marcus Allen, and Matt Millen, all of the Super Bowl XVIII Championship team in 1983, the then Los Angeles Raiders.

After the death of Raiders owner Al Davis, Wolf was rumored to possibly come back to Oakland. He didn't specify that he wanted to have a full-time job as general manager there, but he told the new ownership team that he would assist them with anything they needed. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he supported Green Bay Packers director of football operations, Reggie McKenzie as a perfect candidate for the GM position in Oakland and called him a "tremendous evaluator" when it comes to finding players.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 1975, Wolf joined the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers as vice-president of operations prior to their first season in 1976. He helped build the team that would advance to the 1979 NFC Championship game. His first draft choice was Lee Roy Selmon, a future Hall of Fame player. He would not be around to see his team develop, however, as he resigned his position with the Buccaneers in February 1978, citing "personal matters". [7] It is believed that he had difficulty working with Buccaneer owner Hugh Culverhouse, and that Culverhouse was trying to interfere with personnel decisions. [8] Wolf later indicated that Culverhouse's close personal relationship with and strong financial stake in coach John McKay meant that Wolf had to be the one to pay with his job for the team's start in their first two seasons, which had them lose their first 26 games as a franchise; Wolf noted his problems in trying to find an ideal quarterback in those first two seasons along with noting his pleasure at having met his future wife in Tampa due to meeting her at the condo complex they each lived in. [9] Wolf returned to the Raiders on the expiration of his Buccaneer contract. [10]

Green Bay Packers

In 1991, Wolf was hired to replace Packers General Manager Tom Braatz. Wolf's first major decisions were to fire head coach Lindy Infante, hire then-San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren to replace him, and to trade for then-Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Brett Favre. In 1993, Wolf signed the most sought after free-agent available, Reggie White, bringing in a team leader and defensive superstar. This signing, in NFL free agency's first year, also made Green Bay a more desirable destination for future potential free agents, including White's fellow defensive linemen Santana Dotson and Sean Jones. Specifically, White's arrival negated the perception of Green Bay as a city where African-American players did not feel welcome. [11] With White and cast-off Gilbert Brown, Dotson and Jones formed the heart of the Packer defense during the team's championship run.

Wolf is credited with remaking the Packers into a perennial winner and championship contender. From 1968 to 1991, the Packers had only four winning seasons. [12] Over his nine-year term as GM, the Packers compiled a 92–52 record, [13] good for a .639 winning percentage, second in the NFL over that span to the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots, lost in Super Bowl XXXII to the Denver Broncos, and made the playoffs six straight times. Wolf announced he would retire as Packers GM in February 2001. He stayed on through the April NFL draft and officially retired as Packers GM in June 2001. Afterward the Packers head coach at that time, Mike Sherman, assumed his duties as GM. In 2000, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. [14]

His son, Eliot Wolf, served as the Cleveland Browns' assistant general manager position from 2018 to 2019. [15]

San Diego Chargers

On December 31, 2012, San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos retained Wolf as a consultant to advise the Chargers throughout the general manager and head coach hiring process. [16]

New York Jets

From 1990 to 1991, Wolf served as personnel director for the New York Jets.

On December 28, 2014, Wolf later joined Charley Casserly as a consultant for the Jets in their search for a new head coach and general manager, following the firing of Rex Ryan and John Idzik Jr. [17]

Pro Football Hall of Fame

On October 22, 2014, Wolf was selected as a finalist to be a member in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor (designation for individuals who were neither a player nor a coach). [2]

On January 31, 2015, Wolf was confirmed as a member of the 2015 Hall of Fame class. He was inducted on August 8. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bill Walsh (American football coach)</span> American football coach (1931–2007)

William Ernest Walsh was an American professional and college football coach. He served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and the Stanford Cardinal, during which time he popularized the West Coast offense. After retiring from the 49ers, Walsh worked as a sports broadcaster for several years and then returned as head coach at Stanford for three seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Bay Packers</span> National Football League franchise in Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. It is the third-oldest franchise in the NFL, dating back to 1919, and is the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team based in the United States. Home games have been played at Lambeau Field since 1957. They have the most wins of any NFL franchise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marty Schottenheimer</span> American football player and coach (1943–2021)

Martin Edward Schottenheimer was an American football linebacker and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 21 seasons. He was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1984 to 1988, the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998, the Washington Redskins in 2001, and the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2006. Eighth in career wins at 205 and seventh in regular season wins at 200, Schottenheimer has the most wins among the league's head coaches to not win an NFL championship. After coaching in the NFL, he won a 2011 championship in his one season with the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League (UFL). He was inducted to the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2010.

The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League (NFL). The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants, 34–7, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The 1997 NFL season was the 78th regular season of the National Football League (NFL). The Oilers relocated from Houston, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee. The newly renamed Tennessee Oilers played their home games during this season at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee while construction of a new stadium in Nashville started. Houston would rejoin the NFL with the expansion Texans in 2002.

The 1992 NFL season was the 73rd regular season of the National Football League (NFL). Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew, the New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins game that was scheduled for September 6 at Joe Robbie Stadium was rescheduled to October 18. Both teams originally had that weekend off. This marked the first time since the 1966 NFL season and the AFL seasons of 1966 and 1967 that there were byes in week 1.

The 1991 NFL season was the 72nd regular season of the National Football League (NFL). It was the final season for coach Chuck Noll. The season ended with Super Bowl XXVI when the Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills, 37–24, at the Metrodome in Minnesota. This was the second of four consecutive Super Bowl losses for Buffalo.

The 1989 NFL season was the 70th regular season of the National Football League. Before the season, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle announced his retirement. Paul Tagliabue was eventually chosen to succeed him, taking over on November 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Herock</span> American football player (born 1941)

Ken Herock is a former American college and professional football player who played tight end. He played collegiately at West Virginia and professionally in the American Football League (AFL), where he played for the AFL Champion Oakland Raiders in the second AFL-NFL World Championship Game, held after the 1967 season. He attended Munhall High School in Pittsburgh. His six-year pro career was spent with the Oakland Raiders, who he helped win the AFL title, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Boston Patriots. After his playing career ended, Herock was a player personnel executive in the NFL with the Raiders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Atlanta Falcons. He is known for trading Brett Favre from the Falcons to the Green Bay Packers at the urging of head coach Jerry Glanville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich McKay</span> American football executive

Richard James McKay is an American football executive who is the CEO of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Prior to joining the Falcons, he was the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1994 to 2003 and was a part of their Super Bowl XXXVII-winning season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ted Thompson</span> American football player and executive (1953–2021)

Ted Thompson was an American professional football player and executive in the National Football League (NFL). He was the general manager of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017. Thompson had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as a linebacker and special teams player with the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.

Winston N. Moss is a former American football linebacker and coach who served as head coach and general manager of the Los Angeles Wildcats. He was formerly the assistant head coach and linebackers coach for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 1987 NFL draft. Moss attended Miami Southridge High School and was an all-state linebacker. He played college football at Miami.

Reginald McKenzie is an American football executive and former player, and is currently a senior personnel executive for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the general manager of the Oakland Raiders of the NFL from January 5, 2012, until his firing on December 10, 2018. Previously, McKenzie was a linebacker for the Raiders and was later the director of player personnel for the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Tennessee.

This article details the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise.

Todd Robert Bowles is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018. Bowles has also served as the defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals and Buccaneers and as the secondary coach for the Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles. Bowles played eight seasons in the NFL as a safety, primarily with the Washington Redskins, and was a member of the team that won Super Bowl XXII.

The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's first season in the National Football League (NFL). The Buccaneers played their home games at Tampa Stadium and their inaugural head coach was John McKay. The Buccaneers gained infamy as the first team to play an entire 14-game season without winning or tying a single game. It remains one of only four winless seasons since the merger. The Buccaneers did not score until their third game and did not score a touchdown until their fourth. They lost by more than a touchdown eleven times. Colorful, maverick former USC coach McKay, whose wisecracking remarks occasionally agitated fans and the league, led the team. The only bright spot was future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Lee Roy Selmon, who made his rookie debut in an injury-plagued season.

Herbert Anthony Adderley was an American football cornerback who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). In 1980, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Eliot Wolf is an American football executive who is the director of scouting and de facto general manager for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served in the Green Bay Packers' scouting department for 14 years before working as an assistant general manager with the Cleveland Browns in the late 2010s.

References

  1. 1 2 Network, Wisconsin Sports (June 22, 2012). "Ron Wolf - Green Bay Packers". Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.
  2. 1 2 "Heroes of the Game - Hall of Famers | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site".
  3. ↑ Ron Wolf's SCOUTING REPORT
  4. 1 2 "Ron Wolf elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame". www.packers.com. January 31, 2014. Archived from the original on February 2, 2015.
  5. ↑ Anderson, Dave (January 19, 1998). "Sports of The Times; In Lombardi's Office, A Man With a View". The New York Times. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  6. ↑ Pierson, Don (January 9, 1997). "Building From Scratch". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Sports in Brief". Spokane Daily Chronicle. 23 Feb 1978
  8. ↑ Mizell, Hubert. "Rams, Oilers eager to trade for Bucs' No. 1". St. Petersburg Times. 20 Apr 1978
  9. ↑ Crawford, Denis. "The end of John McKay's coaching days in Tampa". bucpower.com. Nov 2009. accessed 6 Feb 2010
  10. ↑ https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/ron-wolf-in-his-words-how-fate-and-football-came-together-b99552142z1-321055271.html/
  11. ↑ Christi, Cliff. "White's signing changed Packers' fortunes". espn.com. 27 Dec 2004. accessed 6 Feb 2010.
  12. ↑ "Green Bay Packers Team Encyclopedia". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  13. ↑ Team/Staff/Ron Wolf PACKERS.COM
  14. ↑ Christl, Cliff. "Ron Wolf". Packers.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  15. ↑ PACKERS.COM
  16. ↑ "Public Relations, www.chargers.com. "Chargers Begin Process, Retain Ron Wolf as Consultant"".
  17. ↑ "Source: Ron Wolf expected to join Jets as consultant". ESPN.com. December 28, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.