Al Davis
Just win, baby
Allen R. Davis (July 4, 1929 – October 8, 2011) was an American professional football executive and coach. He was the managing general partner, principal owner and de facto general manager for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) for 39 years, from 1972 until his death in 2011. Prior to becoming principal owner of the Raiders, he served as the team's head coach from 1963 to 1965 and as a part-owner from 1966 to 1971, assuming both positions while the Raiders were members of the American Football League (AFL). He served as the AFL commissioner for part of 1966 (April to July).
- Role
- Principal Owner and General Manager
- Affiliation
- Raiders
- Era
- 1966 (General Manager) to 2011 (Death)
- Status
- Deceased
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Known for his motto 'Just win, baby', Davis managed the Raiders becoming one of the NFL's most successful and popular teams. The franchise enjoyed its greatest successes during the 1970s and 1980s where it was a perennial playoff contender and won three Super Bowl titles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Davis was active in civil rights, refusing to allow the Raiders to play in any city where black and white players had to stay in separate hotels. He was the first NFL owner in the modern era to hire a black head coach (Art Shell), the first to hire a female chief executive (Amy Trask), and the first NFL owner to hire a Latino head coach (Tom Flores). He remains the only person to have served as a scout, assistant general manager, general manager, assistant coach, a head coach, a commissioner (of a league), and an owner of a team.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide specific narrative scenes or quotes from Al Davis's time on the sideline or in meetings. It records only the structural facts of his career: his return from the AFL commissionership in 1966, his ascension as principal owner in 1972, and his death in 2011. The text notes that he exercised near-complete control over both business and football matters throughout this period. It also mentions a specific incident in 2013 where his son Mark fired the Raiders public relations director because of a Sports Illustrated article critical of Al Davis's legacy.
Reader's Guide
Davis was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, to a Jewish family. His father, Louis Davis, worked in a variety of trades in Massachusetts; having found some success in the garment manufacturing field, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1934 with his wife, Rose, and their two sons, Jerry and Allen. Davis graduated from high school in January 1947, immediately enrolling at Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio at age 17. He spent a semester there, then transferred to Syracuse University. He briefly transferred to Hartwick College in 1948, but soon returned to Syracuse. After receiving his master's degree, he was inducted into the United States Army in 1952. He coached Fort Belvoir's football squad in 1953. After military service, he married his fiancée, Carol Sagal, in a Brooklyn synagogue. He worked as a freelance scout for the Baltimore Colts, then was hired by The Citadel in January 1955 as an assistant coach. He later became an assistant coach at the University of Southern California (USC).
Did You Know?
- Davis was the first NFL owner in the modern era to hire a black head coach (Art Shell).
- He was the first NFL owner to hire a female chief executive (Amy Trask).
- He was the first NFL owner to hire a Latino head coach (Tom Flores).
- He remains the only person to have served as a scout, assistant general manager, general manager, assistant coach, a head coach, a commissioner, and an owner of a team.
The Era of Relocation and Return
The provided SOURCE contains no information regarding Al Davis's specific actions during the team's moves to Los Angeles or back to Oakland. The text focuses entirely on Mark Davis's handling of the Oakland Coliseum lease, the failed Carson plan, and the eventual move to Las Vegas in 2017.
The Las Vegas Transition
The SOURCE does not attribute any specific role to Al Davis regarding the move to Las Vegas. It explicitly states that constructing a new stadium was an issue his father Al was never able to solve during his tenure as owner. The relocation effort described is led by Mark Davis, who began exclusive discussions with Las Vegas after disputes over rent in Oakland and the failure of the Carson proposal.
The Failed Bay Area Proposals
It notes that Mark Davis initially desired to keep the Raiders in Oakland or the immediate area but began communicating with other cities when a stadium plan was lacking.
Las Vegas Football History
The SOURCE provides no history regarding Las Vegas professional football teams prior to the Raiders' arrival under Mark Davis's ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Al Davis?
He served as the principal owner of the franchise from 1972 until his death in 2011, having previously started as general manager in 1966. His leadership defined the team's identity for nearly forty years.
What role did Al Davis play on the team?
Davis managed every facet of the organization, making him known for his intense involvement in daily decision-making. He held dual authority as both the top executive and general manager during his time with the club.
When did Al Davis take ownership of the Raiders?
Following a brief tenure as AFL commissioner, he took over as general manager in 1966 and later secured full ownership rights in 1972. He remained at the helm until his death more than thirty years later.
What happened to the team after Al Davis died?
When Al Davis passed away, responsibility for running the franchise was transferred directly to his son, Mark. This succession concluded a long period where one man directed all major operations.
Why is Al Davis considered important to Raiders history?
His personal touch influenced everything from player personnel to business strategy, creating a lasting legacy within the organization. Supporters view him as the defining figure who built the team into a modern powerhouse.
More in Club History & Eras
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