Former Pitt, Steelers Player Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Dick Haley, a former University of Pittsburgh and Steelers cornerback and a player personnel department member for nearly two decades, had died. He was 85.

Haley widely is credited for playing an instrumental role in helping to craft the Steelers 1970s dynasty.

"He developed a unique eye for talent, and he ultimately helped identify and draft many of the players that allowed us to win four Super Bowls during that decade," Steelers owner Art Rooney said in a statement. "My condolences go out to the entire Haley family during this difficult time."

Haley’s son Todd, who spent six seasons as the Steelers offensive coordinator and also served as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, announced that his father died after battling.a long battle dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

"Very sorry to say , the world , the NFL and my entire family lost one of the best people I’ve ever known and my idol - a man that gave me the best chance to succeed in this world," Todd Haley, who was raised in Upper St. Clair, stated on Twitter.

After starring at the University of Pittsburgh, Haley spent four of his six seasons in the NFL with the Steelers. He also played for the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.

Haley became the Steelers director of player personnel in 1971, a position he held until 1990.