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John Rauch -(D. 2008) was an American football player and coach. He was head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II in 1968. Rauch was drafted by the Detroit Lions, as the number two pick in the 1949 NFL Draft, but then sent to the transplanted New York Bulldogs in exchange for the rights to Southern Methodist University's Doak Walker. During his first season with the Bulldogs in 1949, Rauch saw action on both sides of the ball, throwing for 169 yards and one touchdown, while also intercepting two passes. The following year, he saw action in eight contests, throwing for 502 yards and six touchdowns, then split time with New York and the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951, combining for 288 yards and one touchdown pass. In 1952, rather than accept a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers to become a player/coach, he accepted an offer from University of Florida Coach Bob Woodruff to join his staff in Gainesville. In 1963, Rauch moved to the Professional level to begin a three-year stint with the American Football League's Oakland Raiders. Working under Al Davis, Rauch was the heir apparent and was promoted to head coach on April 8, 1966, when Davis became commissioner of the AFL. After leading the Raiders to an 8-5-1 mark in his first year, Rauch's squad lost just once during the 1967 regular season and faced the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II. For his efforts, Rauch was named the AFL Coach of the Year. In 1968, the team again flourished during the regular season with a 12-2 mark, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in a Western Division Playoff Game, but lost the AFL championship game to the New York Jets. During his term as head coach, Davis' frequent interference with the day to day coaching role became a source of aggravation for Rauch. On January 16, 1969, Rauch dealt with the problem by resigning from his championship team to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills. He is a member of the College FB HOF.
Offered is John Rauch’s 1948 Leaf #50 Rookie Card. This has been encapsulated authentic by Beckett Authentication Services. Super RARE!!!!
Item: 13606
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