Steelers legend Dick Hoak dies at 86

Dick Hoak, former Steelers player and longtime assistant coach, dies at 86 George Gojkovich/Getty Images PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 30: Running backs coach Dick Hoak of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field before a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on August 30, 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) SOURCE: George Gojkovich/Getty Images Advertisement Updated: 12:00 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Dick Hoak, former Steelers player and longtime assistant coach, dies at 86 Updated: 12:00 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ PITTSBURGH — Dick Hoak, a legendary player and coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died, the team announced Wednesday. He was 86. Video above: Dick Hoak inducted into Steelers Hall of Honor inaugural class (2017) Advertisement A native of Jeannette, Westmoreland County, Hoak played running back for the Steelers from 1961 to 1970 before moving on to the sidelines as an assistant coach for more than 30 years under both Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. Hoak was a coach on Pittsburgh's first five Super Bowl-winning teams. He was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor as a member of the inaugural class in 2017. In 2025, Hoak received the Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Video below: Dick Hoak remembers Dan Rooney at Steelers owner's funeral (2017) Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dick Hoak, a legendary member of the Pittsburgh Steelers 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. 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. Make WTAE a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Missing baby in South Carolina found buried alive a day after authorities say his father took him Mother and two young children killed in Missouri crash after semitruck struck their minivan Donald Trump’s private message to Joe Biden emerges in new White House memoir Kyle Busch posthumously wins NASCAR Cup Series most popular driver award in Miami