(Jan. 23, 1943 – Dec. 30, 1996) From coaching some of Portland State University’s greatest football teams to his zany television commercials, Pokey Allen is fondly remembered in the City of Roses. In seven seasons, Pokey coached PSU to its fine best records, to the University’s first five NCAA football playoffs and to two trips to the NCAA Division II national championship game.

Pokey joined the Vikings in 1986 and left seven years later with a 63-26-2 record, three times winning 11 games in one season. He is the winningest coach in PSU history, guiding the Vikings to seven straight titles. Allen was named Conference Coach of The Year in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1192 and Region coach of The Year in 1987 and 1988.

After leaving PSU, Allen went to Boise State where he turned around a losing program and during his second year there led the Broncos all the way to the 1-AA national championship game.