11/05/24
January 03, 2007
Long-Time Steelers Coach Retires: but not the one that has been rumored to leave. After 34 years as running backs coach—and 45 years total with the Steelers' organization—former Penn State and Steelers' running back, Dick Hoak, has retired. The man who coached all those great backs (Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Barry Foster, Merril Hoge, Bam Morris, and Jerome Bettis come to mind) has decided to take a well-deserved break. Heck, the guy took hand offs from Bobby Lane.
A man with a lot of class! Thanks Coach Hoak! Have a great retirement!
posted by steelerchooks at 02:40 PM on January 03, 2007
What a great story.
posted by SummersEve at 02:53 PM on January 03, 2007
Long time coach he will be missed.
posted by chad at 04:50 PM on January 03, 2007
A great story about a man who knew he'd found professional happiness and was smart enough to stay put. Happy retirement, Coach Hoak.
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:59 PM on January 03, 2007
What a great life he has had. He obviously loves his homestate, and he epitomizes the whole blue-collar work ethic many of us picture when we think of Western PA. His shoes are gonna be hard to fill.