Washington Redskins legend Joe Bugel passes away at the age of 80

The world lost a great man today. Washington Redskins legendary OL/Assistant Head Coach Joe Bugel has passed away at 80 years old. Bugel was the greatest OL coach in Redskins history, and one of the best in the NFL. He was the mastermind behind the Hogs, and was a key part of 2 of the Redskins 3 Super Bowl wins.

Former Washington Redskins Coach Joe Bugel passed away today at the age of 80. Bugel, regarded as one of the greatest offensive line coaches in NFL history, was the team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1981-82 and became the assistant head coach in 1983, a role he would hold until 1989 before becoming the head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals. Bugel returned for a second stint with the team as assistant head coach-offense from 2004-09.

Statement from Redskins owner Dan Snyder:

"I am absolutely devastated by the news of Joe’s passing. Joe was a larger than life figure and a true legend of his profession. He exemplified what it meant to be a Redskin with his character and ability to connect with his players along with a work ethic that was unmatched. We shared a special bond and he was a great friend. He was a man who not only gave me a better understanding of the game of football, but who also gave me perspective on what is truly important in life. I absolutely adored him and will miss him terribly. Tanya and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Brenda and the entire Bugel family during this time.”

Statement from former Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs:

“Joe had an incredible passion for the game of football. He came to work every day with such great excitement and his players had tremendous respect for him. The strength of our coaching staff on both sides of the ball was a key reason we had so much success. Bugel was such a big part of that and his impact was felt not only by those Redskins’ teams, but truly across the entire League. I will miss his friendship and I will always cherish our late-night arguments putting together the game plan each week. Pat and I will be praying for his wife Brenda, his girls, and their entire family."

Joe Bugel left the Redskins after the 1989 season to take the Head Coaching job for the Phoenix Cardinals. He spent 4 seasons in Arizona before going to the Oakland Raiders as assistant head coach/offense from 1995-96, and Head Coach in 1997. He then coached OL for the San Diego Chargers from 1998-2001.

Joe Bugel returned to the Washington Redskins in 2004 when Joe Gibbs also returned for a second stint as Head Coach. Bugel hadn't coached for 2 years, but was one of Gibb's first calls when he began assembling his coaching staff. Bugel was the Redskins Assistant Head Coach/Offense and focused on the offensive line. He stayed with the Redskins until 2009 when he officially retired from coaching in the NFL.