Hall of Fame Steelers coach Chuck Nolls dies at 82

ESPN is reporting that legendary head coach Chuck Noll passed away earlier today.  He was 82.

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Noll led the PIttsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships during his 23 years as their head coach.  The Steelers dynasty of the 1970s won Super Bowls IX (1975), X (1976), XIII (1979), and XIV (1980), making Noll the only head coach with four Super Bowl rings.

Noll retired from coaching after the 1991 season.  He had a career record of 209-156-1, the fifth most wins in league history.  Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 on his first ballot.

Noll began his NFL career as a player with the Cleveland Browns from 1953-1959, playing guard and linebacker.  After he retired from playing, he began his coaching career in 1960 as an assistant with the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, working as the defensive line coach.  He was promoted to Defensive Coordinator with the Chargers in 1962 before moving over to the Don Shula coached Baltimore Colts in 1966 in the same position.  After Penn State's Joe Paterno turned down an offer to coach the Steelers, Shula recommended to owner Art Rooney that Noll should have the job.  He was hired by the Steelers in 1969.

He had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness recently and was found unresponsive by his wife Friday night.

Rest in peace, Coach Noll.  You are a big loss for the sport.