Former Cardinals head coach Joe Bugel passes away at the age of 80

Former Phoenix Cardinals head coach Joe Bugel passed away Sunday at the age of 80.

Before becoming an NFL coach, he was an assistant for 11 years at the collegiate level. He began at Western Kentucky (1964-68) then went to Navy (1969-72), Iowa State (1973), and Ohio State (1974).

After his extensive college coaching career, he got his first shot to coach in the pros after being hired by the Detroit Lions (1975-76) as an offensive assistant.

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He proceeded to coach in the NFL for 32 years, which included his first head coaching opportunity with the Cardinals from 1990-93. In his time with the team, he finished with a 20-44 record.

Throughout his long NFL journey, he was best known for his time with the Washington Redskins (1981-89). He coined the term and was the architect of “The Hogs”, which was the name for the Redskins’ offensive line that dominated in 1982 to the early 1990s that resulted in three Super Bowl championships.

Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Four of Bugel’s offensive lineman made the Pro Bowl a combined 10 times in the 80’s, which the best two out of the group were Hall of Famer Russ Grimm and three-time Hall of Fame finalist Joe Jacoby.

The Washington franchise had one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL thanks to Bugel. In 1983, his team scored a league-high 541 points. He produced four 1000-yard rushers in his time with the team.

He also made stints with the Houston Oilers (1977-80), Oakland Raiders (1995-97), San Diego Chargers (1998-01), and back with the Redskins (2004-09).

Joe Bugel is arguably the best offensive line coach that the NFL has ever seen. He has left a lasting legacy in the NFL that will always be remembered.

Rest in peace to the legend and thank you for all that you have done in the NFL.