Former pittsburgh steelers Personnel director Dick Haley, largely credited as the architect behind the 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls, has died at 85, his family announced Friday.
Haley, who played several years in the NFL as a cornerback before joining the Steelers’ front office in 1971, has died after a long battle with dementia and Parkinson’s, his son and former Kansas City Chiefs announced head coach Todd Haley on Twitter.
Dick Haley, former director of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers, watches from the sidelines before a game between the Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on September 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh. The Buccaneers defeated the Steelers 27-24. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
“I am so sorry to say that the world, the NFL and my entire family have lost one of the best people I have ever known and my idol,” Haley said on Twitter.
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«A man who gave me the best chance to succeed in this world. My father Dick Haley later [a] long struggle with dementia and Parkinson’s. I love you dad!»
Steelers president Art Rooney II also issued a statement Friday, calling Haley «a pivotal role in our unprecedented success in the 1970s.»
«We lost an incredible football mind and better man with the passing of Dick Haley. He was a valued part of this franchise for 23 years, the first 4 as a player and the last 19 as a member of the Player Personnel Department.» ”Rooney’s statement read.
Pittsburgh Steelers director of player personnel Dick Haley, left, looks at a stopwatch as he times players in the 40-yard dash as head coach Chuck Noll looks on during practice at summer training camp at St. Vincent College in July 1991 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. . (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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«Dick played a pivotal role in our unprecedented success in the 1970s during the latter part of his career. He developed a unique eye for talent and ultimately helped identify and recruit many of the players who won us four Super Bowls.» during that time». decade.»
«My condolences go out to the entire Haley family during this difficult time.»
Pittsburgh Steelers director of personnel Dick Haley uses a stopwatch to time players in the 40-yard dash at summer training camp at St. Vincent College in July 1991 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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Under Haley’s tenure, the Steelers won four super bowls and selected seven players to the Hall of Fame, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Haley also served as director of personnel for the new york jets from 1991 to 2007.