1913–1914 Hastings HS (NE) Name Paul Schissler 1918–1920 Nebraska (assistant) | 1916 St. Viator 1915 Doane | |
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Sport(s) Football, basketball, baseball Born November 11, 1893 ( 1893-11-11 ) Died April 16, 1968(1968-04-16) (aged 74)
Hastings, Nebraska | ||
Paul J. Schissler (November 11, 1893 – April 16, 1968) was an American football, basketball, and baseball coach. He coached football at the high school, college, and professional levels, and is credited with starting the National Football League's annual Pro Bowl.
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Coaching career
Schissler first coaching position was as the head football coach at Hastings High School in Hastings, Nebraska. He had been a stand-out athlete at HHS, graduating in 1911. He coached there for two seasons, from 1913 to 1914.
College
Schissler's first collegiate position was as the head coach at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He only coached one season with Doane College during the 1915 season. Schissler left Doane to become the head football coach at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, Illinois where he coached again for only one season in 1916.
Doane
Schissler was the 16th head football coach at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska and he held that position for the 1915 season. His coaching record at Doane was 5–3.
Nebraska
In 1919, Schissler went to the University of Nebraska. There he was an assistant football coach, the head basketball coach, and the head baseball coach. Schissler was the head coach of the basketball team for two seasons, posting a 37–5 overall record.
As the head baseball coach at Nebraska, Schissler posted a three-year record of 20–14.
Oregon State
Schissler was the head football coach for Oregon State from 1924 to 1932. During his nine-year tenure, he compiled a 48–30–2 (.613) record. He led the Beavers to three seven-win seasons in 1925, 1926, and 1930. He was known for opening seasons strong, having had a 76–0 win against Willamette University, a 67–0 win against Multnomah Athletic Club, and a 51–0 win against Willamette.
NFL
Schissler first foray in to coaching in the NFL was with the Chicago Cardinals from 1933 to 1934. In his time as the Cardinals head coach he posted a record of 6–15–1.
From 1935 to 1936, he was the head coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers NFL team in New York City, compiling a record of 8–14–2.
Later career
Schissler later owned and coached the Hollywood Bears football team of the Pacific Coast Pro Football League. There he coached and played with Kenny Washington before Washington was allowed to play in the NFL. Schissler sold Washington's contract to the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. Schissler also coached the NFL's Chicago Cardinals and the Hollywood Stars of the California Pro Football League, and during World War II served in the military where he also coached a football team. Later, Schissler helped start the Pro Bowl in 1951 while working for the Los Angeles Times.
Death
Schissler died in Hastings, Nebraska, on April 16, 1968, at the age of 74.