Gillman's professional coaching career took off when he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1955. As head coach, he introduced a more dynamic and aerial style of play, emphasizing the passing game at a time when running the ball was the norm. His offensive schemes were characterized by precision and creativity, setting the stage for the modern passing offenses seen in today's game.
In 1960, Gillman became the head coach and general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers in the newly formed American Football League (AFL). Under his leadership, the Chargers quickly became one of the most exciting teams in the league. Gillman's emphasis on the vertical passing game and his ability to develop quarterbacks were instrumental in the team's success. The Chargers reached five AFL Championship games during his tenure, winning the title in 1963.
Gillman's influence extended beyond his own teams. He was a mentor to many coaches who would go on to have successful careers in the NFL. His innovative ideas, such as the use of game film for analysis and the implementation of sophisticated passing routes, were adopted by coaches across the league. These concepts helped shape the evolution of offensive football and laid the groundwork for the high-scoring games that fans enjoy today.
In 1969, Gillman took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Houston Oilers. Although his time with the Oilers was brief, his impact on the game continued to resonate. He later returned to the Chargers as a consultant and briefly served as their head coach again in the early 1970s.
Throughout his career, Gillman was known for his attention to detail and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of professional football.
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