Dick Hoak obit

Former Steelers running back and running backs coach Dick Hoak dies at 86

 He was not on the list.

Former Steelers player and coach Dick Hoak has died, the team announced on Wednesday morning.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dick Hoak, a legendary member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family," said team president Art Rooney II in a statement. "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."

The Jeannette, Pennsylvania native spent 10 seasons as a running back with the Steelers between 1961 and 1970.

"From his days as a standout student-athlete at Jeannette High School, to his successful collegiate career at Penn State University, and his remarkable career as both a player and coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dick Hoak represented the very best of Jeannette," the Jeannette City School District posted to Facebook.

In 1968, he was named to the Pro Bowl, when he recorded three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, but gained 858 yards for 4.9 yards per attempt, the highest of his career.

Hoak retired after the 1970 season and, at the time, was the number two all-time rusher in Steelers history. As of the 2025 season, Hoak still sits eighth all-time in rushing yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Following his career as a player, he joined the Steelers' front office and coaching staff as the running backs coach in 1972, a position he held all the way until 2007.

During his time as running backs coach, the Steelers rushed for more than 30,000 yards and led the league in rushing yards three times. He would coach greats such as Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis.

He was also the only coach to work under both Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.

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

Following the 1970 season, Hoak announced his retirement. At the time, he was second on the franchise's all-time rushing list with 3,965 yards. He also finished with 25 touchdowns.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dick Hoak, a legendary member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family," said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a statement. "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."

Hoak attended Penn State University, where he played varsity football for the Nittany Lions from 1958 to 1961. As a sophomore he played halfback and safety, and continued as a running back as a junior. He was playing quarterback, as well as safety, by his senior year. As a junior in 1959, Penn State won the first Liberty Bowl (7–0 over Alabama). Penn State was again in the 1960 Liberty Bowl, winning 41–12 over Oregon. Hoak was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) passing for two touchdowns, running for two touchdowns, and intercepting two passes.

As a senior in 1960, he was voted the Nittany Lion's MVP by his teammates and by the Penn State Quarterback Club. Over his three-year career he had 767 rushing yards and 251 receiving yards, scored eight touchdowns, and had a 55.8% pass completion rate. He graduated in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in social studies. He roomed with Jim Ragano his freshman year at Penn State.

Hoak was 86 years old.

 

Career information

High school     Jeannette

College            Penn State

NFL draft        1961: 7th round, 90th overall pick

Career history

Playing

Pittsburgh Steelers (1961–1970)

Coaching

Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–2006)

Running backs coach

Awards and highlights

5× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL)

Pro Bowl (1968)

Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

Career NFL statistics

Rushing yards 3,965

Rushing average          3.5

Receptions       146

Receiving yards          1,452

Total touchdowns        33