sz. Chiefs Nation Mourns the Loss of Paul Wiggin, Former Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach and NFL Champion, at 91

Chiefs Nation is in mourning today following the passing of Paul Wiggin, a former Kansas City Chiefs head coach, NFL champion, and one of the most respected figures to bridge the worlds of professional and college football. Wiggin passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by victories, but by integrity, leadership, and lifelong devotion to the game.

Wiggin’s name may not always dominate highlight reels, but his impact runs deep throughout NFL history. As a player, he spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1967, never missing a single game — a remarkable testament to his toughness and reliability. He helped the Browns capture the 1964 NFL Championship, earned two Pro Bowl selections, and built a reputation as a consummate professional long before the modern era of football stardom.

After retiring as a player, Wiggin transitioned seamlessly into coaching, working as both a defensive and offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers before accepting the role of head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975. Though his tenure in Kansas City was brief, he is remembered within the organization as a steady, principled leader who carried the respect of players and staff alike.

Wiggin’s influence extended even further in college football, where he returned to his alma mater, Stanford University, as head coach. There, he coached future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, playing a pivotal role in shaping one of the most iconic careers in football history. His time at Stanford is forever linked to “The Play,” one of the most famous and dramatic moments the sport has ever seen — a reminder that even heartbreak can become part of a lasting legacy.

Elway later summed up Wiggin’s impact best, calling him “a tremendous human being” and praising his integrity above all else. That sentiment has echoed throughout the football world since news of Wiggin’s passing broke.

Later in his career, Wiggin joined the Minnesota Vikings, serving for years as an assistant coach and personnel executive, continuing to shape teams and mentor younger minds behind the scenes. Vikings ownership released a statement honoring Wiggin as a man who embodied the history and values of the NFL.

For Chiefs fans, today is about more than wins and losses. It is about honoring a man who represented football the right way — with humility, discipline, and respect for the game and the people within it. Wiggin is survived by his wife Carolynn, their three daughters, and his grandchildren, whom he often described as his greatest pride.

Football was a defining chapter of Paul Wiggin’s life. But as Chiefs Nation reflects today, it is clear his character — not just his résumé — is what will endure.

Rest in peace, Coach. Your legacy lives on. 🏈