Dick Hoak, Longtime Steelers Player, Coach and Five-Time Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 86

Dick Hoak, a foundational figure of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise who dedicated 45 years to the organization as both a player and an assistant coach, died Wednesday at 86 years old. Steelers president and owner Art Rooney II noted in a statement that Hoak embodied the toughness, loyalty, and dedication that define the franchise, leaving a mark that spanned multiple generations.

After being selected by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the NFL draft, Hoak accumulated 3,965 rushing yards, securing his place as the eighth-leading rusher in franchise history. Transitioning immediately from the field to the sidelines, he served as the team's running backs coach for 35 years. During that lengthy coaching tenure, he helped guide the franchise to five Super Bowl titles.

Tributes poured in from across the football community following the news. Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher shared on social media that he regularly relied on Hoak's wisdom during his own 15-year tenure. Current Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward also expressed gratitude for Hoak's enduring influence on the organization.

Hoak's contributions were previously recognized with an induction into the inaugural class of the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2017, followed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Award of Excellence for assistant coaches in 2025.