Elvis Don't Like Football: The Life and Raucous Times of the Nfl's Most Outspoken Coach

The irreverent, controversial head coach of the Atlanta Falcons takes on players of the National Football League, unleashes his wit on the media, and explains his devotion to black clothes and Elvis Presley

As head coach of the Houston Oilers, Glanville staged an unusual publicity stunt: at out-of-town games he would leave tickets at the box office in the name of a local celebrity, past or present--Elvis Presley in Memphis, James Dean in Indianapolis, Ind., Loni Anderson in Cincinnati, Ohio. But that is the one entertaining story in this banal football autobiography, written with freelance sportswriter Miller. Glanville began his career coaching high school teams, moved up to the college ranks, got to the pros in 1974 and served 10 years as an assistant coach in Detroit, Atlanta, Buffalo, N.Y., and Houston. Named Oiler head coach in late 1985, he took the team to the playoffs three times before returning to the Atlanta Falcons as head coach. He favors a hard-hitting game, which has embroiled him in feuds with fellow coaches Chuck Noll and Sam Wyche, whom he discusses here along with players he likes and dislikes. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Glanville, former coach of the Houston Oilers and now head mentor of the Atlanta Falcons, lives up to his maverick reputation in a work that is a curious blend of biography and polemic. Interspersed among accounts of his growing up and career highlights is a succession of barbs aimed at his favorite targets, mainly the media and fellow NFL coaches whom he claims mistake his methods. His open fondness for entertainers who lived "on the edge" (Elvis, James Dean, etc.) contributes to his rebel image. It is a role he obviously relishes and that reflects his hard-nosed coaching style. While his book is short on insight, Glanville's controversial views are sure to attract the attention of pro football fans. For popular collections.
- William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.