 Ellenson (left) with Florida State coach Bill Peterson in 1961 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 21, 1921 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | March 17, 1995 (aged 73) Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1940–1942 | Georgia |
| 1946 | Miami Seahawks |
| Position(s) | Tackle |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1950–1958 | Miami (assistant) |
| 1960–1969 | Florida (DC) |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1970–1987 | Florida (associate AD) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame | |
Eugene Ellenson (March 24, 1921 – March 17, 1995) was an American college and professional football player, college football coach, and athletic administrator. Ellenson was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Miami, and attended the University of Georgia, where he was a starting Tackle on the Bulldog's 1942 national championship football team. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was highly decorated for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.
Upon returning from the war, Ellenson played for the Miami Seahawks, a professional football team that folded after one season. He began his coaching career in 1947 as an assistant at his alma mater, Miami Senior High School. After three years in the high school ranks, he became an assistant coach at the University of Miami. University of Florida (UF) head coach Ray Graves hired Ellenson as a defensive assistant in 1960, and promoted him to be the Gators' defensive coordinator and assistant head coach in 1964. When Graves left coaching to become UF's full-time athletic director following the 1969 season, Ellenson became the associate AD in charge of Gator Boosters, the fundraising arm of the University of Florida Athletic Association. Ellenson remained in that position until his retirement in 1987.
Ellenson was known for his fiery and inspirational pep talks. Even after his retirement, he was asked to speak to UF's sports teams before big games, particularly by football coach Steve Spurrier, who had played at Florida when Ellenson was an assistant coach. Spurrier established the "Gene Ellenson Award" in 1991, which is given to the team's "most inspirational" player.