What Is 1963 Houston Oilers football team

Overview

The 1963 Houston Oilers represented the franchise in the American Football League during its fourth season. After a strong start in the league's early years, including an AFL Championship in 1960 and 1961, the 1963 season marked a downturn in performance and stability.

This season was defined by coaching changes, inconsistent play, and a struggling defense. Despite the presence of veteran quarterback George Blanda, the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the franchise's inception.

• Record: The Oilers finished the 1963 season with a 6–8 record, their first losing season in franchise history, missing the playoffs after previously reaching the AFL Championship in three of the first four years.
• Coaching change: Head coach Lou Rymkus was dismissed after a 1–3 start and replaced by Wally Lemm, who had previously coached the Oilers to their 1960 championship.
• Home field: The team played its home games at Jeppesen Stadium, a 32,000-seat venue on the campus of the University of Houston, which served as their home from 1960 to 1967.
• Quarterback performance:George Blanda led the offense, throwing for 2,418 yards and 14 touchdowns, but also tossed 28 interceptions, reflecting offensive inconsistency.
• Defensive struggles: The Oilers' defense allowed a league-worst 331 points (23.6 per game), the highest total in the AFL, undermining efforts to maintain competitiveness.

Season Performance

The 1963 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with mid-season coaching changes and fluctuating performances defining the team’s identity.

• Early struggles: The Oilers began the season 1–3 under Lou Rymkus, leading to his dismissal and the return of former coach Wally Lemm to stabilize the team.
• Mid-season rebound: Under Lemm, the team improved to 5–5 at one point, showing flashes of competitiveness against strong opponents like the San Diego Chargers.
• George Blanda’s role: Blanda played both quarterback and kicker, scoring 119 total points—a testament to his versatility, though his high interception total hurt the team.
• Running game: Running back Charlie Hennigan contributed as a receiver, catching 60 passes for 1,055 yards, but the ground game lacked a consistent lead back.
• Defensive issues: The secondary allowed opposing quarterbacks to exploit passing lanes, with the team finishing last in passing defense, surrendering 2,856 yards through the air.
• Final stretch: The Oilers lost three of their last four games, including a 54–21 blowout to the Kansas City Chiefs, sealing their playoff absence.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1963 Houston Oilers compared to other top AFL teams in key statistical categories:

The Oilers ranked near the bottom in both offensive output and defensive performance. While teams like the Chargers dominated with balanced play, Houston’s inability to stop opponents and protect the football led to a losing record. The comparison highlights how far the team had fallen from its championship-caliber form just two years prior.

Why It Matters

The 1963 season serves as a turning point in the Oilers’ early history, illustrating the volatility of professional football and the impact of leadership and roster depth.

• End of dominance: After reaching the AFL Championship in 1960, 1961, and 1962, the 1963 season marked the first time the Oilers failed to make the postseason.
• Coaching instability: The mid-season firing of Rymkus and return of Lemm highlighted growing organizational pressure and set a precedent for future coaching changes.
• George Blanda’s legacy: Despite interceptions, Blanda remained a franchise icon, showcasing durability and leadership during a transitional period.
• Defensive overhaul: The team’s poor defensive stats led to increased focus on drafting defensive talent in subsequent seasons.
• Franchise trajectory: The 1963 season foreshadowed future struggles, as the Oilers would not return to the AFL Championship until 1967.
• Historical context: This season reflected the growing competitiveness of the AFL, where even former champions could quickly fall behind without consistent management.

The 1963 Houston Oilers season, while not successful on the field, remains a pivotal chapter in the team’s evolution, demonstrating the challenges of sustaining success in professional sports.