Sachs attended Carl Schurz High School in Chicago, where he earned 11 varsity letters before his graduation in 1914.

Upon graduation from high school, Sachs joined the United States Navy during World War I, where he continued playing sports, earning an All-Service team honorable mention in football in 1918 while playing on the Cleveland Naval Reserves football team.

In the 1930s, Sachs developed an innovative fast-break offense and a 2–2–1 zone defense that prompted a rule change in 1937 to prevent goaltending.

His 1938–39 team was 21–0 before losing to 44–32 to Long Island University in the National Invitation Tournament final at Madison Square Garden.

On October 27, 1942, Sachs suffered a fatal heart attack while advising the Wendell Phillips High School football team for their appearance in the Chicago Public League championship.