Joe Bugel facts for kids
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Bugel in 2008
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| Position: | Offensive line coach |
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| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 10, 1940 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died: | June 28, 2020 (aged 80) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Munhall (PA) |
| College: | Western Kentucky |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | 24–56 (.300) |
| Coaching stats at PFR | |
Joseph John Bugel (born March 10, 1940 – died June 28, 2020) was a famous American football coach. He worked in the National Football League (NFL). Many people thought he was the best offensive line coach in the league. He was especially known for his work with the Washington Redskins in the 1980s. He worked there under head coach Joe Gibbs.
Bugel created a famous group of players called "The Hogs". This was the nickname for the Redskins' strong offensive line. They helped the team win three Super Bowl championships.
Before coaching in the NFL, Bugel played college football. He played for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Later, he became a college assistant coach. He also coached for other NFL teams. These included the Detroit Lions, Houston Oilers, and San Diego Chargers. He was also the head coach for the Phoenix Cardinals (from 1990 to 1993) and the Oakland Raiders (in 1997).
Contents
Early Life and College Years
Joe Bugel grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a great football player at Munhall High School. He played both offense and defense. He also played for a semi-pro team called the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds.
In 2005, he was honored in the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Bugel studied physical education at Western Kentucky University. He was an all-conference player there. He also earned a master's degree in counseling from Western Kentucky.
Coaching Career Highlights
Starting His Coaching Journey
Before joining the NFL, Bugel coached at several colleges. He worked at Ohio State (1974) and Iowa State (1973). He also coached at the Navy (1969–1972). His first coaching job was at his old college, Western Kentucky (1964–1968).
Bugel started coaching in the NFL in 1975. He spent two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions.
Time with the Houston Oilers
In 1977, Bugel became the offensive line coach for the Houston Oilers. He coached there for four seasons. During his time, the team set new records for rushing and passing. His offensive line was very important in the Oilers' playoff win in 1979. They beat the San Diego Chargers, even without their star player Earl Campbell.
Building "The Hogs" with the Washington Redskins
Bugel first joined the Washington Redskins in 1981. He started as the offensive coordinator. In 1983, he became the assistant head coach.
In 1982, he started to create "The Hogs". This was the famous nickname he gave to his offensive line players. He developed a very strong offensive line. Key players included Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Mark May, Jeff Bostic, and George Starke.
Under Bugel's coaching, the Redskins scored a record 541 points in 1983. They had four players who rushed for over 1,000 yards. They also had one quarterback who passed for over 4,000 yards. And nine players caught passes for over 1,000 yards. Bugel helped the Redskins win two Super Bowls (XVII and XXII). This was while he was part of coach Joe Gibbs' staff.
Head Coach Roles
Bugel was the head coach for the Phoenix Cardinals from 1990 to 1993.
He then spent three seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was the assistant head coach from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, he became the head coach for one season. As a head coach for both teams, his combined record was 24 wins and 56 losses.
Coaching the San Diego Chargers
From 1998 to 2001, Bugel coached the offensive line for the San Diego Chargers. After this, he took a break from football for two years.
Return to the Washington Redskins
Bugel came back to the Redskins in 2004. He was the assistant head coach on offense. This was when Joe Gibbs also returned to coach the team. Bugel's offensive line helped the Redskins have a top 10 rushing game in 2005 and 2006.
In 2006, the Redskins' offensive line allowed only 19 sacks. This was the third-lowest in the NFL. In 2007, Bugel faced a big challenge. Two of his starting players were injured. He had to make many changes to the lineup. Despite this, the team still had a strong running game.
Running back Clinton Portis was a star player under Bugel. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in five straight seasons (2004-2008). In 2008, Portis became the Redskins' leader in most 100-yard rushing games.
Bugel was very good at finding solutions when players got injured. In 2008, even with injuries to key players like Chris Samuels, his offensive line helped the team rank eighth in the NFL for rushing yards. Samuels, a Pro Bowler, earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection while playing under Bugel. Bugel retired from the NFL after the 2009 season.
Personal Life
Joe Bugel was married to Brenda. They had three daughters: Angie, Jennifer, and Holly. Sadly, Holly passed away in 2008. Joe Bugel himself died on June 28, 2020, at the age of 80.
See also
In Spanish: Joe Bugel para niños
