NFL Includes AAFC Stats, Boosting Paul Brown’s Coaching Record

CLEVELAND, Ohio — NFL owners unanimously approved a proposal on Tuesday to include historical statistics from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), greatly impacting coaching records, particularly those of Paul Brown.

This decision officially adds statistics from the AAFC, which operated from 1946 to 1949, to the NFL’s official records. The Cleveland Browns, under the leadership of Paul Brown, dominated the league during that time, winning championships in each of its four seasons.

As a result of the updated stats, Brown’s career coaching wins have increased by 52, elevating his total from 170 to 222, moving him from 22nd to 7th on the all-time list. This adjustment was made possible after the recovery of scoresheets from AAFC games and consultation with the Elias Sports Bureau and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“The incorporation of these statistics acknowledges the significance of the AAFC and its contributions to professional football,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the owners’ meeting.

The Browns’ perfect 15-0 season in 1948 now stands alongside the 1972 Miami Dolphins as one of only two teams to achieve an undefeated regular season followed by a championship win. The Dolphins went 17-0 that year, celebrating their accomplishment each season as the NFL’s only undefeated team in the playoff era.

Incorporation of these records also sheds light on the quality of the AAFC; the Browns won the NFL title in their first season after joining the league in 1950. Notable players and coaches from the AAFC, including Otto Graham and Lou Groza, were later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Among the notable records impacted by the inclusion of AAFC data is Y.A. Tittle’s career passing yards, which now places him 44th all-time, and Marion Motley’s impressive rushing average of 5.7 yards per carry, ranking as the best among running backs with at least 750 carries.

Additionally, the 1948 San Francisco 49ers now hold the single-season rushing record with 3,663 yards, surpassing the previous high of 3,296 yards set by the Ravens in 2019. San Francisco also achieved an impressive 6.07 yards per carry that season.

This adjustment is significant not only for the historical context it provides but also for fans and teams looking to enhance their legacies. The NFL plans to list the AAFC champions separately in the records, establishing a more complete picture of the league’s history.

“Recognizing the achievements of teams and players from the AAFC is a long-overdue step towards honoring the foundation of modern professional football,” Goodell added.