Former Steelers Assistant Head Coach Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA - George Perles, a former Steelers assistant head coach during part of the team's 1970s dynasty, died Tuesday. He was 85.

Perles was considered an architect of the Steelers historic Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s. Head coach Chuck Noll hired him in 1972 as defensive line coach and in Perles' first season, the team made the playoffs for only the second time in team history and the first time since 1947.

In 1974, the Steelers won the first of their four Super Bowls during that era. Perles became defensive coordinator in 1978 and then assistant head coach in 1979. He left the team in 1982 to become the head football coach at Michigan State University, his alma mater.

Perles was best known for being a football player, head football coach, athletic director and Board of Trustees member at Michigan State.

According to a Michigan State news release, Perles led the Spartan football program from 1983-94 and guided Michigan State to two Big Ten titles (1987 and 1990) and seven bowl
appearances in his 12 seasons. Three of his teams finished among the 5, including the 1987 Big Ten Championship team that ranked No. 8 in the final polls following a win over USC in the Rose
Bowl.

In addition to his wife, Sally, Perles is survived by four children: Kathy of Washington, PA., Terry (Tracey) of Pittsburgh, John (Amy) of Grand Rapids and Pat (Karen) of Kansas City and six grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.