Redskins legendary offensive line coach Joe Bugel dies at 80

Few can say they played a part in shaping one of the greatest position groups in the history of football. Redskins coach Joe Bugel had that honor.

After getting his NFL start with the Detroit Lions in 1975, Bugel would find a home in Washington less than a decade later. He was initially hired as the Washington Redskins‘ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and in 1983, he was promoted to assistant head coach, while retaining his duties as the mentor of the offensive line.

Over his time in D.C., Bugel developed the Redskins’ offensive line into one of the most fearsome units ever to grace the game, and he even coined the timeless nickname himself during the summer of 1982 — The Hogs.

The Hogs, led by stalwarts such as Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Mark May, and Jeff Bostic, helped Joe Gibbs’ Redskins win three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks from 1983 to 1991, and it was because of Bugel that they were able to reach that level of prominence.

Bugel would leverage his success as a positional coach into a job as a head coach for the Phoenix Cardinals, and although that was his highest role, he’ll ultimately be remembered for his exploits as a legendary positional coach, developing an offensive line that became a foundational piece of one of the NFL’s historic dynasties.

No one can say he didn’t make the most of it, and now, Bugel’s journey is over. Per the Redskins official website, the famed coach has died at the age of 80.

Numerous former coaches and players, including Joe Gibbs and Joe Theismann, voiced their condolences and spoke of Bugel’s greatest qualities, and Redskins owner Dan Snyder released a statement on the team’s website, in honor of the 32-year NFL veteran.

"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.”"

Theismann’s parting words for Bugel, the man who indirectly protected him during his time in the nation’s capital, ring true: “He’ll have the best O-line in heaven”.