Former Steelers RB coach Dick Hoak nominated for PFWA award

Thirteen years after his retirement from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dick Hoak is a candidate for another NFL honor.

Hoak, the former Steelers running back and longest-tenured assistant in franchise history, has been nominated for the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award, a lifetime achievement designation given to an NFL assistant by the Pro Football Writers Association of America.

Hoak, 80, is one of eight candidates for an honor that will go to two recipients in 2020. PFWA members have until June 19 to vote on the award, and winners will be announced June 22.

The Jeannette native and Hempfield resident retired from coaching in 2007 after a 35-year career under Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher that included six trips to the Super Bowl and five championships. He played for the Steelers from 1961-70.

Hoak was among 27 members of the franchise’s inaugural Hall of Honor class in 2017 and one of only four members of the inaugural group not already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hoak was inducted into the inaugural Jeannette High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019, and he was part of the WPIAL’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2007.

Others nominated for the Zimmerman award include:

• Bill Arnsparger, a former Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator who coached in six Super Bowls with three organizations.

• Romeo Crennel, who is entering his 38th season in the NFL and won five Super Bowls in six appearances with the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

• Rod Marinelli, who spent the previous seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and earned a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay after the 2002 season.

• Bobb McKittrick, an offensive line coach with San Francisco for 28 years and winner of five Super Bowl titles with the 49ers.

• Floyd Peters, a defensive coordinator for many of his 23 seasons, including stops with the Giants, 49ers, Lions, Cardinals, Vikings, Buccaneers and Raiders.

• Buddy Ryan, who created the “46” defense with the Chicago Bears and was part of two Super Bowl teams in three appearances with the Jets, Vikings and Bears.

• Bobby Turner, who is entering his 25th year as an NFL assistant coach (mostly running backs) and coached in four Super Bowls with three teams (Denver, Atlanta and San Francisco).

In addition, the Steelers organization was nominated for the Pete Rozelle Award, which goes to the public relations staff that “consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media.” The Steelers won the award after the 1991 and 2015 seasons.