Pittsburgh – The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the passing of Richard John “Dick” Hoak, 86, a figure whose 45‑year tenure with the franchise spanned both the field and the sidelines. Hoak, a seventh‑round pick in the 1961 NFL draft, played ten seasons as a running back, rushing for 3,965 yards and 25 touchdowns, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1968 after a career‑best 858 yards.
From player to coach
After retiring following the 1970 season, Hoak joined head coach Chuck Noll’s staff in 1972 as the running backs coach. Over the next three decades he became a trusted mentor to future Hall of Famers such as Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, helping shape the bruising ground game that powered the Steelers’ dynasty.
When Bill Cowher succeeded Noll in 1992, he retained Hoak on his staff, crediting him with easing the transition from a legendary predecessor. Cowher wrote on X, “You embodied everything that being part of the Pittsburgh Steelers represented. Throughout my 15 years as Head Coach, I leaned on your wisdom as I grew as a coach. You were an integral part of five Super Bowls. A special man who impacted all that knew him!”
Championship legacy
Hoak’s influence was felt in every Super Bowl victory the Steelers captured during his time – after the 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979 and 2005 seasons. He remained eighth on the franchise’s all‑time rushing list, outpacing players he later coached, including four‑time champion Rocky Bleier and two‑time Pro Bowler Barry Foster.
Former teammate Rocky Bleier recalled, “He had a great demeanor with his players, a strong relationship with his backfield, and could get a lot out of them. He was also a good friend and former teammate. It was great to have him in my life.”
Honors and retirement
Hoak retired from coaching in early 2007 after Cowher stepped down. His contributions were recognized when the Steelers named him to the inaugural Hall of Honor class in 2017, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame presented him with its 2025 Award of Excellence for behind‑the‑scenes work that often goes unnoticed.
Born Dec. 8, 1939, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Hoak excelled at Jeannette High School as an All‑State quarterback and defensive back before attending Penn State, where he played multiple positions and was MVP of the 1960 Liberty Bowl.
Team president Art Rooney II said, “Dick represented everything the Steelers stand for with his toughness, loyalty, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the team.” No cause of death was disclosed.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
