For legendary football coach Dick Vermeil, the decision to settle down in East Fallowfield Township nearly four decades ago was an easy one, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today. 

Vermeil, 85, who is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, and his wife Carol were living in Bryn Mawr in 1983 when they first toured the available land. They fell in love with its nature, and the following year, they decided to sell their home and move to Chester County with their three teenagers. The couple bought 100 acres at $3,500 an acre. 

“Never in my lifetime did I think I’d own 100 acres of land,” said Vermeil. 

However, they got some help from a prominent local banker, Roger Hillas, who paved their way with a loan. 

“Back then, I needed help,” said Vermeil. “In those days, they didn’t pay football coaches.” 

Since then, the value of the land has appreciated considerably. 

Today, the Vermeils often eat dinner out and visit local antique shops. 

“We fell in love with the country,” he said. 

Read more about Dick Vermeil in Main Line Today.