Head coach (1963–1973); general manager (1963–1974) · Jets 1963–1974

Weeb Ewbank

A teacher behind the Jets’ greatest breakthrough

Ewbank was a teacher who understood how to reach his players. After the painful Heidi Game loss, he had the team choose its own curfew penalty, turning discipline into a shared responsibility. His work with Joe Namath helped the Jets become AFL champions and then Super Bowl III winners. He had already won NFL championships with Baltimore, giving him a unique place in both leagues.

Jets Ring of Honor · 2010
Pro Football Hall of Fame · 1978

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He helped a young franchise turn belief into a championship team. His patient work with players connected the running game, passing game and defense.

A name from childhood

His younger brother’s pronunciation of Wilbur became the nickname football would remember.

One more year upstairs

Ewbank retired from coaching after 1973 and remained the Jets’ general manager for the 1974 season.

Jets years: 1963–1974. The honors above distinguish team recognition from Canton’s whole-career recognition.

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These pages support the biography, Jets years and honors. Checked Oct 20, 2026. Photograph credits appear with the image.

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