What Is 1960 Houston Oilers football team

Overview

The 1960 Houston Oilers marked the beginning of professional football in Houston and were a founding franchise of the American Football League (AFL). As one of the eight original teams in the new league, they quickly established themselves as a dominant force in their inaugural season.

Under head coach Lou Rymkus, the Oilers posted an impressive 11-3 record, securing first place in the AFL Eastern Division. Despite mid-season coaching changes, the team remained resilient and culminated their season with a championship victory.

• Founding AFL team: The Oilers were one of the eight charter franchises of the American Football League, established in 1960 to rival the NFL.
• 11-3 record: They finished the regular season with 11 wins and only 3 losses, the best record in the league that year.
• First AFL Champions: The Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 in the inaugural AFL Championship Game on January 1, 1961.
• Coaching change: Lou Rymkus was dismissed after a mid-season slump and replaced by Wally Lemm, who led the team to a strong finish.
• Home stadium: The Oilers played at Jeppesen Stadium, a 32,000-seat facility on the campus of the University of Houston.

How It Works

The 1960 Houston Oilers' success stemmed from a balanced offense, strong leadership, and a competitive league structure that allowed emerging talent to shine. Their season reflected both strategic planning and on-field execution.

• Quarterback George Blanda: Threw for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns while also serving as the team's kicker, making him a dual-threat player. His leadership was vital during close games.
• Running back Billy Cannon: The Heisman Trophy winner joined the team mid-season after a legal battle and added explosive playmaking ability to the offense.
• Head coach transition: Lou Rymkus was fired after a 4-3 start; Wally Lemm took over and guided the team to a 7-0 finish, including the championship.
• AFL structure: The league was divided into two divisions, and the Oilers won the Eastern Division by three games over the second-place team.
• Championship game: Played in Houston on January 1, 1961, the game drew over 32,000 fans and solidified the AFL’s legitimacy as a major league.
• Defensive strength: The Oilers allowed only 298 total points during the season, the second-best defensive record in the AFL.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1960 Houston Oilers compared to other top teams in the AFL and NFL during the 1960 season:

The Oilers led the AFL in both win percentage and total points scored. Their championship victory over the Chargers confirmed their status as the league's top team and helped boost AFL viewership and credibility nationwide.

Why It Matters

The 1960 Houston Oilers were more than just a football team—they were pioneers in a new era of professional sports. Their success helped legitimize the AFL and paved the way for the eventual merger with the NFL.

• Established AFL credibility: Winning the first AFL Championship proved the league could produce high-quality, competitive football.
• Launched Houston's pro sports legacy: The Oilers brought major league sports to Houston, setting the stage for future teams like the Astros and Rockets.
• George Blanda’s legacy: His performance in 1960 solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile players in football history.
• Billy Cannon’s impact: His signing was a major coup, showing that the AFL could attract elite college talent away from the NFL.
• Influenced future mergers: The AFL’s early success, led by teams like the Oilers, contributed to the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
• Set attendance records: The Oilers drew strong crowds, demonstrating that professional football could thrive outside traditional markets.

The 1960 season remains a landmark year in football history, marking the rise of a new league and the beginning of a franchise that would shape the sport for decades.