Former Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA - Woody Widenhofer, who served as linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator of the Steelers during their 1970s dynasty, has died. Mr. Widenhofer was 77.

Mr. Widenhofer coached Hall of Fame players Jack Lambert and Jack Ham as the team's linebackers coach from 1973-78. He was elevated to defensive coordinator in 1979 and served in that role until 1983.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Woody Widenhofer," team president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "Woody played an important role coaching our famed Steel Curtain defense when he helped us win four Super Bowls in the 1970s. "

Mr. Widenhofer, a Butler native, also was the head coach of the Oklahoma Outlaws of the United States Football League in 1984. At the collegiate level, he had head coaching jobs at Missouri
and Vanderbilt.