SteelersFriday, November 13
Dick Hoak, who spent more than 45 years with the Steelers, has died at 86
The Pittsburgh Morning News team
Dick Hoak, who spent more than 45 years with the Steelers as a player and then an assistant coach, has died at 86. He died Wednesday, and the team announced his death. No cause of death was given.
Hoak spent more than 45 years with the Steelers
- 45+
- years with the Steelers as player and coach
- 5
- Super Bowl rings won
- 3,965
- rushing yards in 10 seasons
- 8th
- on the Steelers' all-time rushing list
Sources: Salem News, Observer-Reporter
Born in Jeannette, Hoak played at Penn State before the Steelers picked him in the seventh round of the 1961 draft. He joined Chuck Noll's staff as running backs coach in 1972 and mentored Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis. Bill Cowher kept him on after replacing Noll in 1992.
Hoak's Steelers career ran from 1961 to 2007
- 1961The Steelers picked Hoak in the seventh round after Penn State.
- 1970Hoak retired as a player after the season.
- 1972Hoak joined Chuck Noll's staff as running backs coach.
- 1992Bill Cowher replaced Noll and retained Hoak on his staff.
- 2007Hoak retired in early 2007 after Cowher stepped down.
- 2025The Pro Football Hall of Fame gave Hoak its Award of Excellence.
Sources: Salem News, Observer-Reporter
“Dick represented everything the Steelers stand for with his toughness, loyalty, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the team.”
- Super Bowl titles: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979 and 2005 seasons
- Pro Bowl: 1968, after a career-best 858 rushing yards
- Hall of Honor: original 27-man class in 2017
- Born: Dec. 8, 1939, in Jeannette
Sources: Salem News, Observer-Reporter