Posted on Dec 24

Longtime assistant coaches Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally honored by Pro Football Hall of Fame

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Three legendary coaches, Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally, will receive the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence for their contributions to the game.

Why it matters: These coaches have left an indelible mark on the sport through their years of dedication and expertise. Their impact on players, teams, and the overall development of the game cannot be understated.

Dick Hoak, known for his long tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, played a crucial role in the team's success as the running backs coach. He helped shape the careers of Hall of Famers Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, contributing to the Steelers' five Super Bowl victories.
Elijah Pitts, a former Green Bay Packers player, transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He played a key role in the Packers' dominance in the 1960s, winning multiple NFL championships and Super Bowls. Pitts later coached notable running backs such as Earl Campbell and Thurman Thomas and contributed to the Buffalo Bills four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
Jim McNally, renowned for his expertise as an offensive line coach, spent over four decades in the NFL. He made significant contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals, coaching Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz throughout his career and helping the team reach two Super Bowls. McNally also had coaching stints with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills.

What to watch: The Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence highlight the invaluable contributions made by individuals who may not have been players but have had a profound impact on the game. This recognition adds to the legacy of these coaches and underscores the importance of their roles in shaping successful teams and players.

The bottom line: The induction of Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence is a testament to their lasting impact on the sport. Their years of dedication and expertise have left an enduring legacy in the NFL, influencing players and teams for generations to come.

#jerome-bettis #nfl

Longtime assistant coaches Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally honored by Pro Football Hall of Fame

Three legendary coaches, Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally, will receive the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence for their contributions to the game.

Dick Hoak, known for his long tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, played a crucial role in the team's success as the running backs coach. He helped shape the careers of Hall of Famers Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, contributing to the Steelers' five Super Bowl victories.

Elijah Pitts, a former Green Bay Packers player, transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He played a key role in the Packers' dominance in the 1960s, winning multiple NFL championships and Super Bowls. Pitts later coached notable running backs such as Earl Campbell and Thurman Thomas and contributed to the Buffalo Bills four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.

Jim McNally, renowned for his expertise as an offensive line coach, spent over four decades in the NFL. He made significant contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals, coaching Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz throughout his career and helping the team reach two Super Bowls. McNally also had coaching stints with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills.