Call Me Coach: A Life in College Football

by Paul Dietzel
Call Me Coach: A Life in College Football cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 5877
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780807144503
  • Publisher: LSU Press
  • Published: 2008-09-15
  • Reviews: 3

Paul Dietzel's memoir, Call Me Coach, is a captivating journey through his life in college football, from his early days as a coach at West Point to his triumphant leadership at LSU, where he led the Tigers to a national championship in 1958. Dietzel's career was marked by innovation, including the use of the wing-T formation and a revolutionary three-team substitution system. His time at LSU was highlighted by Billy Cannon's iconic 1959 punt return that earned Cannon the Heisman Trophy. Dietzel's story extends beyond football, offering a glimpse into his personal life, including his impoverished childhood, his service in World War II, and his post-retirement endeavors. The book is filled with anecdotes, from interactions with legendary figures like Bear Bryant and General Douglas MacArthur to his later years as a TV commentator and artist. Through Dietzel's eyes, readers experience the evolution of college football, the challenges of coaching, and the enduring importance of family, faith, and gratitude.

Reviews
The Advertiser · Tom Continé · 2016-09-04
nostalgic 4.50

The book is a celebration of football and the contributions of Paul Dietzel. It offers a nostalgic look back at the golden age of college football.

Tom Continé, a Louisiana native and band alumnus, has written a book that is a love letter to college football. He delves into the life and times of Paul Dietzel, a legendary coach who left an indelible mark on the sport. The book is not just about football; it's about the people, the passion, and the legacy that Dietzel built. Continé's writing is engaging and evocative, capturing the essence of a bygone era in college football. He highlights Dietzel's contributions and the impact he had on the game, making it a must-read for football enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    The book is written by Louisiana native and band alumnus Tom Continé, who has written numerous books and contributed to “Call Me Coach: A Life in College Football.

    The book is a celebration of football and the contributions of Paul Dietzel.

    It offers a nostalgic look back at the golden age of college football.

Amazon · James E. Sylvester · 2014-09-17
great 5.00

The book is a great read for football fans, offering a personal and insightful look into Dietzel's life. It's a five-star book that captures the essence of college football.

James E. Sylvester gives Call Me Coach a five-star rating, praising it as a great read for football fans. He highlights the personal and insightful look into Paul Dietzel's life, making it a compelling read. Sylvester appreciates the way Dietzel shares his experiences and the lessons he learned throughout his career. The book is not just about football; it's about the people and the relationships that shape the game. Sylvester finds the book to be both informative and entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone interested in college football.

Quick quotes

    Great book for football fans.

    Five StarsFive Stars.

    A personal and insightful look into Dietzel's life.

Powell's Books · 2008-01-01
heartwarming 4.00

The book is a collection of unforgettable anecdotes from Dietzel's life in college football. It's a heartwarming read that captures the spirit of the game.

In Call Me Coach, Paul Dietzel takes readers on a journey through his rich and varied life in college football. The book is filled with anecdotes that are both humorous and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the world of college football. Dietzel's stories are not just about the games; they are about the people he met, the friendships he formed, and the lessons he learned. The book captures the essence of the sport and the impact it has on those who play and coach it. It's a must-read for anyone who loves college football and wants to understand the game from the perspective of one of its legendary coaches.

Quick quotes

    In Call Me Coach, Dietzel affectionately recalls his rich and varied life in college football.

    Highlights among the book's many unforgettable anecdotes are a...

    The book captures the essence of the sport and the impact it has on those who play and coach it.

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