Legendary Former Steelers Player & Assistant Coach Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Dick Hoak, a name associated with the Steelers as both a player and assistant coach for nearly half a century, died Wednesday. He was 86.

The team announced his death on social media.

A Jeannette native, Hoak, a running back, played his college football at Penn State and was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL Draft.

Hoak led the team in rushing three times and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1968. Two years after his retirement in 1970, he was hired as the Steelers' running backs coach and held the position under head coaches Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher for 35 years.

In his coaching position, he was involved in five of the team's six Super Bowl victories. He was part of the inaugural class of the team's Hall of Honor in 2027 along with NFL Hall of Famers such as Terry Bradshaw, Jack Lambert and Mike Webster.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the franchise was "deeply saddened" by Hoak's passing and called him "a legendary member of the team's family."

"Dick was part of the foundation of this organization and played an instrumental role in shaping the Steelers as both a player and coach during his 45 years with the team," Rooney said in a statement.

"Dick represented everything the Steelers stand for with his toughness, loyalty, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the team. First as a player, then as a coach, Dick's contributions to this organization spanned generations.

"He was respected and admired by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His legacy includes coaching some of the all-time great Steelers, including Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Jerome Bettis, and Willie Parker.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hoak family during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Steelers family."