Joe Bugel

Joseph John Bugel (March 10, 1940 – June 28, 2020) was an American professional football coach in the National Football League (NFL). For many years, he was acknowledged as the greatest offensive line coach in the league, particularly with the Washington Redskins under head coach Joe Gibbs in the 1980s. He was the architect behind "The Hogs", the Redskins' dominant offensive line that helped lead them to three Super Bowl wins.

Bugel played college football for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers before becoming a college assistant coach. Prior to joining the Redskins, he served as the offensive line coach or assistant for several other teams, including the Detroit Lions, Houston Oilers, and San Diego Chargers. He was also the head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals and Oakland Raiders , compiling a combined record of 24–56 with them.

Early life A Pittsburgh native, Bugel was a two-way star in football at Munhall High School. Bugel also played for the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds, a semi-pro team. In 2005, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Western Chapter).

Coaching career

Early career Before joining the NFL, Bugel spent time coaching at Ohio State (1974), Iowa State (1973), Navy (1969–1972) and his alma mater, Western Kentucky (1964–1968). Bugel originally entered the NFL in 1975, spending two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions.

Houston Oilers Bugel joined the Houston Oilers in the same capacity in 1977. During his four seasons with the Oilers, the team set records in rushing and passing.

With a year on his contract remaining, Bugel was told in the preseason to have a winning season or be fired. The Cardinals won four of their last five games but finished 7-9. On January 24, 1994, he was fired.

Oakland Raiders Bugel was considered for the head coaching job of the Oakland Raiders in 1995 before Mike White was hired. Bugel was instead hired to serve as assistant head coach for the 1995 and 1996 seasons before being promoted to head coach for the 1997 season over finalists such as special teams coach Rusty Tillman and Eagles offensive coordinator Jon Gruden.

The Raiders struggled to maintain protection for quarterback Jeff George and sputtered to losing eight of their last nine games to close the season at 4-12, the worst season for the team since 1962. On January 6, 1998, he was fired, making him the shortest tenured head coach of the Raiders since Marty Feldman.

San Diego Chargers From 1998 to 2001, Bugel oversaw the offensive line of the San Diego Chargers, after which he had a two-year respite from football.

Second stint with the Redskins Bugel returned to the Redskins in 2004 as assistant head coach on offense in Joe Gibbs's return to the team. Bugel's offensive front led the Redskins to consecutive Top 10 finishes in rushing yards per game in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Redskins ranked seventh in the NFL and averaged 136.4 yards per game in 2005.

Head coaching record Team Year Regular season PostseasonWon LostTiesWin %FinishWonLostWin %ResultPHO199051105th in NFC East – – – –PHO199141205th in NFC East – – – –PHO199241205th in NFC East – – – –PHO19937904th in NFC East – – – – PHO total 20 44 0 – – – –OAK199741204th in AFC West – – – – OAK total 4 12 0 – – – – Total 24 56 0 – – – –

Personal life Bugel and his wife, Brenda, had three daughters: Angie, Jennifer and Holly. Joe died at the age of 80 on June 28, 2020.