Former Steelers defensive coordinator and longtime Michigan State head coach George Perles died late Tuesday night in East Lansing, Mich. He was 85.
Perles was an assistant coach at Michigan State when he was hired by Chuck Noll as defensive line coach in 1972. He held that position until 1978, when he became the Steelers defensive coordinator, helping form the foundation of what would become one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
"I am sorry to hear the news of the passing of George Perles," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement released by the team. "George had a major role coaching our famed Steel Curtain defense when he helped us win four Super Bowls in the 1970s under Chuck Noll. George designed the Stunt 4-3 defense which helped Joe Greene and the Steel Curtain became one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. He later was elevated to defensive coordinator and assistant head coach following the success of our defense.
“George will be missed by all who knew him and will be forever remembered for what he meant to the Steel Curtain defense and the Steelers of the 70s. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Perles left the Steelers in 1982 for the fledgling USFL when he was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia Stars. But he never coached a game in the USFL, as Michigan State hired him to return to East Lansing as the Spartans' head coach.
Perles went 73-62-4 in 12 seasons at Michigan State.
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