Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

I've seen the 4-3 Over and 4-3 Under concepts attributed to the San Francisco 49ers, with those defenses being called "Frisco Over/Strong" and "Frisco Under/Weak". Does anyone know if this is actually true? If so, which coach developed it and when was it universally recognized an attributed to San Francisco?

Bryan wrote:I've seen the 4-3 Over and 4-3 Under concepts attributed to the San Francisco 49ers, with those defenses being called "Frisco Over/Strong" and "Frisco Under/Weak". Does anyone know if this is actually true? If so, which coach developed it and when was it universally recognized an attributed to San Francisco?

Lombardi/Heinz refer to it as the Frisco defense throughout "Run to Daylight," which was published in 1963 and based on the Packers' preparations for the 1962 game against the Lions. However, it's used only describe the "Under" defense. I don't recall there being any discussion of its origins.

Phil Bengston who was with 49ers before Green bay and was a great defensive coach. The AFL was called a "odd" leagbue, referring to overs/unders, but in teh 1960s it was used a lot...

Thanks to you both for your answers.