sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alvin Garrett, Charley Taylor, Chester McGlockton, Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis, Cory Raymer

Two championships. One group of Hogs. Boss Hog. REDSKINS PARK - LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 21300 Redskin Park Drive • Ashburn, VA 20147 • 703-726-7000 www.redskins.com PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release January 13, 2009 JOE BUGEL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA - Redskins assistant Joe Bugel, regarded as one of the greatest offensive line coaches in history, and former of the Phoenix Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, announced his retirement after 32 seasons in the .

Bugel spent 15 of those seasons as an assistant with the Redskins. In his first stint with the club, from 1981-1989, Bugel was the architect of the famed “Hogs” offensive line, featuring stalwarts , , , , and others. The group, one of the most dominant in league annals, led the Redskins to three Super Bowls, including victories following the 1982 and 1987 seasons. Bugel was instrumental in the develop- ment of four offensive linemen earning berths - Grimm (4), Jacoby (4), Bostic (1) and May (1).

Bugel began as the Redskins in 1981 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 1983. Under Bugel’s direction, the Redskins scored a then-NFL record 541 points (1983), had four 1,000-yard rushers, one 4,000-yard passer and nine 1,000-yard receivers. After helping the Redskins to a 92-48 overall record in a nine-year span, including an 11-3 mark in the postseason, Bugel was hired by the then-Phoenix Cardinals as head coach in 1990. He would serve in that capacity for four sea- sons before joining the Oakland Raiders as assistant head coach/offense from 1995-96 and head coach in 1997. From 1998-2001, Bugel oversaw the offensive line of the Chargers.

After a two-year respite, Bugel returned to the Redskins in 2004 as assistant head coach - offense under and was retained as offensive line coach under in 2008.

Bugel originally entered the NFL in 1975, spending two seasons as the offensive line coach for the . He joined the Houston Oilers in the same capacity in 1977. The team’s rushing totals during his final two seasons with the Oilers in 1979 and 1980 are still the top two season totals in that franchise’s history.

Before entering the NFL, Bugel spent time coaching in the collegiate ranks with Ohio State (1974), Iowa State (1973), Navy (1969-72) and his alma mater, Western Kentucky (1964-68).

While earning his degree in physical education, Bugel was an all-conference guard and for the Hilltop- pers. He also earned a master’s degree in counseling from Western Kentucky. A native, Bugel was a two- way star in football at Munhall High School. In 2005, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Western Chapter). Bugel and his wife, Brenda, raised daughters: Angie, Jennifer and the late Holly Bugel; as well as a son-in-law, Monte.

– REDSKINS – 1982 Coaching Staff JOE BUGEL BY THE NUMBERS With the Redskins

15 Seasons as an assistant coach

2 Super Bowl Championships

3 NFC Championships

4 NFC East Championships

7 Playoff Appearances

5 Pro Bowl offensive linemen

14 Pro Bowl selections for his offensive linemen

133-99 Regular season record

.573 Regular season winning percentage “I think back to all the late night meetings we’ve been in over the years and we probably know more about each other than we’d care to admit. Buges is a loyal soldier for the Redskins organization. He has a great passion for coaching and he has great talent. His players really respected and liked him even though he beat the snot out of them. True friendship comes from going through good times and bad times and Buges and I have been through both.” – Joe Gibbs Washington Redskins Head Coach (1981-92, 2004-07) LONGEST SERVING ASSISTANT COACHES IN REDSKINS HISTORY Name Seasons Years Torgy Torgeson 23 1959-61, 1971-77, 1981-93 Rennie Simmons 18 1981-93, 2004-08 17 1981-93, 2004-07 Joe Bugel 15 1981-89, 2004-09 15 1978-92 Bill Hickman 13 1973-77, 1981-88 Larry Peccatiello 13 1981-83 13 1981-93

REDSKINS RECORD WITH JOE BUGEL ON COACHING STAFF YEAR W L POSTSEASON 1981 8 8 1982 8 1 Super Bowl XVII Champions 1983 14 2 NFC East Champions; Lost Super Bowl XVIII 1984 11 5 NFC East Championship; lost Divisional Round 1985 10 6 1986 12 4 Lost NFC Championship 1987 11 4 Super Bowl XXII Champions 1988 7 9 1989 10 6 2004 6 10 2005 10 6 Lost Divisional Round 2006 5 11 2007 9 7 Lost Wild Card Round 2008 8 8 2009 4 12 TOTAL 133 99 .573 winning percentage “As hogs, we owe a great debt to Joe Bugel, not only for bestowing that wonderful nickname but also for helping mold us into one of the best and most productive offensive lines ever. We all liked and respected Buges, but there were a few times we were ready to fry his bacon.”

– Mark May Washington Redskins Tackle (1981-89) PRO BOWL OFFENSIVE LINEMEN COACHED BY JOE BUGEL

Player Team Position Years Jeff Bostic Washington Center 1983 Russ Grimm Washington Guard 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Joe Jacoby Washington Tackle 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Mark May Washington Tackle 1988 Washington Tackle 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Houston Tackle 1979 Johnny Johnson Phoenix 1990 Rich Camarillo Phoenix Punter 1991, 1992 Tim McDonald Phoenix Safety 1991 Tim Brown Oakland 1995, 1996, 1997 Chester McGlockton Oakland 1997 Steve Wisniewski Oakland Guard 1995, 1997

RUNNING BACKS WITH 1,000-YARD SEASONS UNDER JOE BUGEL Player Team Years Washington 1983, 1984 George Rogers Washington 1985, 1986 Washington 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 Washington 2006 Houston 1978, 1979, 1980 Harvey Williams Oakland 1995 Oakland 1997 LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego 2001 “Buges was the guy that did the formative teaching. He laid the ground rules and the techniques and the habits. He demanded a lot from us which ultimately made us demand a lot from each other. If you look at the Redskins during that timeframe, we went to four Super Bowls in 10 years. We had three different and three different running backs. The thing that really didn’t change that much was our offensive line. That was a very good offensive line and a lot of it had to do with Joe Bugel.” – Jeff Bostic Washington Redskins Center (1980-93) The Washington Post January 30, 1983 For the Offensive Line, A Casual Nickname Sows a Hog Happening

By Paul Attner ). One is a fullback (Riggins). rules governing pass protection lend themselves best to “I wanted in, but they spurned me for two weeks,” Rig- large, strong players. enter Jeff Bostic had only to walk through a suburban gins said, tongue in cheek. “When they finally said they’d “By the end of every week, he has taken us step by step CVirginia shopping mall to realize how Hog wild Wash- let me join, I was going to tell them, ‘No thanks.’ But I through what we have to know for the game,” Bostic said. ington fans have gone over the Redskins’ offensive line. relented. You don’t want to make your line mad.” “We are completely prepared because he is so thorough. “Everywhere I looked,” he said, “there were Hogs. Hog Ten Hogs in one restaurant can run up a bill of $750 in Then all we have to do is execute.” shirts, Hog banners, Hog pennants, Hog everything. Some- two hours. They did earlier this season. Bugel did not pick Interestingly, the Hogs’ most talented linemen are two body is making a lot of money off the Hogs. I wish it was up the check. of their smallest members, Grimm and Bostic. me.” The Hogs got their nickname because Bugel looked at The Redskins thought so highly of Grimm that they What began as a spirit builder for the linemen has be- Bostic and Grimm one day last season and decided they traded away a No. 1 pick mainly to be able to select him come a frenzy. Hog souvenirs are the best-selling Redskin were built like Hogs. in the third round of the 1981 draft. He was projected as novelty items. During the days preceding the NFC champi- “They are short guys with big bellies,” Bugel said. “I a starting center, but when Bostic performed well in the onship game with , a local radio station even played started to say to the whole line at practice, ‘Okay you Hogs, 1981 training camp, Grimm was moved to left guard, in sounds of Hogs grunting. About the only place porkers are let’s go down in the bullpen and hit those sleds.’ Some guys part because Bugel thought he matched up well with Dal- more popular is in Arkansas, the home of the Razorbacks. might have resented it but these guys loved it.” las’ Randy White. “I never dreamed this would happen, but isn’t it great?” Bugel is Boss Hog. When wide receivers or quarter- Grimm, a tenacious player, has been the team’s most said Joe Bugel, the Redskin offensive line coach who first backs throw effective blocks, they are Piglets. Hogs are consistent performer this season. Bostic, called “the Little nicknamed his charges the Hogs. “This may be the first selected through a membership vote. Rookie tackle Don Doughboy” by his teammates because he looks like the time offensive linemen have Hogged the spotlight.” Laster wanted to buy an official membership T-shirt, de- figure in the Pillsbury commercials, is just a shade behind. Bugel laughed, but he had the right. Hog jokes are in. signed by Bugel. He was turned down. Considering he was a free agent signed only because of his Anonymity for offensive linemen is out. Bugel’s nickname “We want to keep this exclusive,” Grimm said. kick snapping, he has been a major surprise. has made stars of his mudders, money for souvenir vendors Bugel’s strategy has served a purpose. It gave an inex- Starke, 34, is the lone veteran, a cerebral perform- and meaty subject matter for headline writers. perienced line a unifying element. It made the members er nearing the end of his career. He shouldn’t be strong And since when in the NFL, which has seen the special. And it put them on the spot. When you’re a Hog, enough or big enough to hold up under Bugel’s sytem, but Doomsday Defense, the Purple People Eaters and the Fear- it’s embarrassing to fall face first into the mud unless you the last two seasons have been among his finest. May is some Foursome, has an offensive line been celebrated with are doing a good job. the heir apparent to Starke’s job. He was a No. 1 choice as a nickname of its own? As a result, they probably are playing better than should a tackle, but had difficulties on the left side in 1981; now, But the Hogs themselves don’t claim celebrity status. be expected. They have developed an unselfish attitude that Bugel is confident May can be a fine right tackle. The Redskin offensive line is young and good, but not even has allowed Bugel to move Dean and May in and out of the Jacoby’s 1981 performance, when he eventually re- Bugel is ready to call it the league’s best. The line may be starting right guard spot without a complaint. placed May at left tackle, helped get the line through that the biggest around (average weight: 270 pounds) but with “Joe has said right from the beginning that a starting season with dignity. Jacoby, Grimm’s roommate, is a mas- four second-year starters, there is room for more sophisti- berth is earned by the guy who is playing well,” May said. sive force on run blocking who is becoming better at pass cation and consistency. “We all accept that. When Freddy got a chance and played blocking. Once almost painfully shy, he has become much Still, the line is good enough to make John Riggins, 33, impressively, he deserved a chance to start. That’s why I more open this season, although he still can’t match the feel like a youngster. “I’ve never run behind a better line,” went to Joe and said not to worry about me, that if he want- outgoing Grimm. May is the polished future banker; Starke said Riggins, who is finishing one of the finest seasons of ed to go with Freddy, he should make the change.” already has a couple of film businesses; Bostic is the coun- his 11-year career. “They are great now, but with more ex- Bugel’s attitude is essential to the Hogs. He’s an en- try boy with the dry wit. perience they are going to be something.” thusiastic, fiery, uninhibited type who keeps the group “They really are close to each other,” Bugel said. “It’s There are 10 Hogs. Seven are offensive linemen (Russ loose. But he’s also a solid coach who believes in a power- something you have to love, getting in the trenches every Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Bostic, George Starke, , blocking, forceful approach to offensive line play. It’s no day. And who would have thought this line would be good Mark May, Ron Saul). Two are tight ends (, accident that the Hogs are big. Bugel believes the reworked enough to play in the Super Bowl?” n “Retirement comes for everybody but if you look back at what the guy has done throughout his career, whether he was in Detroit, Houston, Washington, Oakland, Arizona, back to Washington, his work has always been a great tribute to the game. Not only that but I think all the guys that have played with him learned a lot and had a lot of special moments. He always treated you like a man. Best of luck to him and I hope he enjoys retirement.”

– Russ Grimm Washington Redskins Guard (1981-91), Assistant Coach (1992-2000) The Washington Post July 22, 1983 Bugel: ‘I’ll Tell You What, I’m Not Ready to Leave’ By Gary Pomerantz “I’m sure that at that time Joe, Mr. Cooke and I would lay there, looking up at the ceiling, thinking to myself, ‘Do sit down and talk and decide what to do,” says Gibbs. “But I want to become a head coach in the USFL or remain a top o many thoughts rattle around inside Joe Bugel’s really I haven’t thought about what we would do.” assistant coach in the NFL?’ Shead. He is Boss Hog, 43-year-old assistant head George Heddleston, general manager of the Pittsburgh “I just have so much NFL ingrained in me that it would coach in charge of the Washington Redskins’ offense franchise, said the still-unnamed team is considering four be tough to leave. Maybe that sounds crazy but I have NFL and, most meticulously, its offensive line. men as coach, all either offensive or defensive coordinators in my blood . . . The NFL is the thing. Right now, the U.S. Football League’s Pittsburgh in the National Football League. “Sure, I have some doubts (about the USFL) in the franchise, which will begin operations next spring, is “Joe Bugel is just too good not to try for,” Heddleston back of my mind. I’m not sure I’m ready to take that kind considering Bugel as a candidate to become its head said. “For us, he’s a natural.” of step, going into a new league. I like the caliber of foot- coach. “I’m really not sure what I’ll do yet,” Bugel said Indications are Bugel is the team’s first choice. ball in the NFL. But most of all, I like the program I’m in. at training camp today. “If he is our man,” said Heddleston, showing that Pitts- Joe Gibbs is not only a great coach, he’s my best friend. He Bugel went to Pittsburgh Sunday and met with burgh’s interest in Bugel is high, “then we are willing to and Mr. Cooke have been so great with me.” franchise owner Edward DeBartolo Sr. after receiving wait for him.” “He’s the best line coach in the NFL,” said guard Mark permission to do so from Washington owner Jack Kent Bugel said he is balancing these points: career opportu- May, one of the Hogs. “I think the Hogs would be hurt if he Cooke and Coach Joe Gibbs. nity versus strong loyalty to Gibbs and his Hogs. left. Things went so well last year, we’re looking forward Bugel insists he will not leave the Redskins this sea- “I guess you’re in this business to become a head to keeping it going. But we understand. This is a great op- son, the final year of his three-year contract. “No doubt coach,” he said. Then, he added, “I have loyalty to Joe portunity for him.” about that,” he said. “No way will I leave the Redskins Gibbs because Joe Gibbs is loyal to me. He came after me “He keeps me going when I’m down,” said Nathan before this year ends.” three years ago and hired me. I’ll never forget that. Maybe Newton, rookie offensive lineman. “It would be great for But since the USFL season doesn’t begin until I’m crazy and maybe I’ll never be a rich person, but loyalty him to become a head coach, but sad for all of us if he March, Bugel could finish this year with Washington, comes first.” leaves.” then proceed in plenty of time to Pittsburgh, where he Several months ago, Bugel was critical when offen- “Joe will get a (head coaching) job in the NFL soon,” was born and raised. sive guard Fred Dean left the Redskins for the money of said Don Breaux, running back coach, echoing the feelings “We have a target date,” said Bugel. “Once I make a USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits. of the majority at training camp. “He’s developed a great decision, I won’t waver either way. I don’t want to drag “The main difference between Freddie’s situation and name and a great reputation around the league. He can af- it out. I’ll decide within a week. No longer than that.” mine is I think money was his top priority whereas it’s not ford to be selective.” Informed late last night that a television report had mine.” “When I think about leaving the Hogs, I get a tear in him already turning down the Pittsburgh team, Bugel So now Bugel, who has coached offensive lines 10 my eye,” Bugel said. “That’s one of the big things why said: “I’m still warm. I’m still considering.” years in the colleges and the past nine in the NFL, sweats I would not leave here because I like the names Grimm, The Redskins say they will not stand in his way. If out his options. After Heddleston called him five days be- Jacoby, Bostic, May and Starke. Those five guys, I really Bugel chooses to accept Pittsburgh’s offer, they will en- fore the start of Redskins’ training camp, then traveled to love. joy one final year of Bugel’s intensity and hard work, Washington where he and Bugel talked, Bugel said the “It’s like I’ve grown with them. I’ll tell you what, I’m then wish him well. thoughts started rattling. not ready to leave. Down deep, I say, ‘God, I cannot leave “It would be a hell of a loss,” said General Manager “For four or five nights after I talked to George, I didn’t that bunch.’ “ . sleep a wink. My wife and I just lay there, talking about it. Bugel gripped a film case with footage of his Hogs. “Obviously, this is a tribute to Joe, he’s a top-flight I was trying to get ready for training camp, thinking about With cupid’s arrow sticking in his chest, tears, real tears, assistant,” said Gibbs, who lost from his how to approach Joe (Gibbs) about all this and so many filled Boss Hog’s eyes. He is a very emotional sort. staff last year. Henning is now the ’ things were going through my mind I started to break out “So I guess you can tell which way I’m leaning right coach. into hives.” now, huh?” he said. n And what if Bugel decides this week that he is inter- Things haven’t improved. “When I got back into my ested in the USFL? room after the coaches meeting at 1:15 a.m. (Thursday), I “What makes him so good is that he makes everyone accountable and there was never a stone unturned. You knew everyone. Everybody knew who to block, what adjustments to make. There weren’t any audibles. Everyone knew their assignments all the time, there was no guessing game. When you went out there on the field, you could just react without thinking. He was a very demanding coach. “That’s what made Buges so great; you never wanted to let him down. He cared about all his linemen. Some coaches don’t care about the people that they’re coaching. He cared about all the linemen.” – Don Warren Washington Redskins (1979-92), Pro Scout (2005-Present)

“He’s the man that made me who I am, on and off the field, and I love him dearly. “He had the ability to get the best out of his players. He showed me how to be an individual that can teach somebody something and still be that person there to reward them. I owe a lot to him as far as what he did for me out there on the football field. I became a husband, a father and now a coach, helping young people like he helped me.” – Joe Jacoby Washington Redskins Tackle/Guard (1981-93) The Washington Post October 27, 1983 Gibbs’ Mr. Goodbar Strategy from ‘Submarine’ Confounds Rivals

By Gary Pomerantz in motion. Each night, Gibbs gathers here for hours with other coaches might make other adjustments. We might ad- assistants Bugel, ( coach), Don just everything on different plays. We keep saying to each n every given game day, the Washington Redskins of- Breaux (running backs), Charley Taylor (receivers) and other: ‘What if? What if? What if?’ Ofense transforms deception into production. Warren Simmons (tight ends) to create the weekly game “We go into each game with maybe 12 running plays Take any given play: perhaps tight end Rick Walker plan for the offense that now leads the league in scoring for the entire game . . . We also have our plus-20 package. goes in motion to the right. Or maybe wide receiver Art (33.7 points per game), average time of possession (33:39 We may have eight to 12 plays designed for each game for Monk goes in motion to the left. Or perhaps both go in per game) and, most likely, in men in motion, motion, mo- when we are inside the (opponents’) 20. That’s where you motion, twisting defensive sets and minds. Then, perhaps tion. have to be at your best. We want points.” quarterback sprints out left, or maybe right, “Joe Gibbs can do so many things with 11 players,” The offensive calculations don’t stop here, Bugel and now he sees wide receiver running a Bugel says, “that sometimes we have to count the players notes. During the game, Rhome and Simmons sit in the quick hitch pattern deep down the left side. A defense in he has written down because it seems like there are 13 or press box, constantly reminding Gibbs (wearing a head- disarray, Garrett catches the pass for a long gain. 14 guys out there.” set on the sideline) the down, the yardage required and the So marvelously deceptive. “I’d say we have well over 500 formations,” says The- likely defensive coverage on each play. Meanwhile, Bugel, “Of maybe 70 offensive plays in a game, I may go in ismann, who has thrown 17 passes and three Breaux and Taylor are on the sideline, feeding Gibbs tips motion on 50 of them,” Walker says. “I’ll tell you this: I this season. “There is no basic formation. about varied defensive coverages. Gibbs always seems to never get bored.” “Joe believes in rapid recall, too. Because we’ve run a be jotting notes on his clipboard during the game. “I’ve been working with (Coach) Joe Gibbs for the past play once, he feels it should be put in our memory banks Then, Gibbs chooses a play off his play card. He tells 2 1/2 years,” says Theismann, “and every game plan has and we should be able to run it again, even if we haven’t his choice to Breaux and Bugel, both of whom give body something different. Joe is the father of everything we do run it for seven or eight weeks.” signals to Theismann, instructing him of the call. on offense.” Bugel describes the weekly meeting of the offensive “One of us gives live signals,” says Bugel, “and one of The purpose of all this offensive twitching and switch- minds this way: “We start on Monday nights. First, we us is a dummy.” ing is to cut down the defense’s play recognition, Gibbs compile formations. Joe (Gibbs) is probably the most cre- “Joe Theismann’s ability to assimilate all of the forma- says. “If you take away all of their preparation they have ative person I know. He is continually thinking about for- tions is crucial,” Breaux says. made during the week by changing your formations, it mations. We don’t like to use the word ‘genius’ to describe “We have new ways to go with our offense all the time,” makes the defense start from scratch. It gives you advan- him. That’s ballyhoo. Just say that this guy is creative. Theismann says. “It’s not complicated; it’s complex. It’s tage. “Everything we do is done in that meeting room. When designed by personnel, by what does best, what “Obviously, we’re not the first team to move around Joe is talking, we are all listening, but I might be draw- Alvin Garrett does best. so much,” Gibbs says. “The difference is the degree with ing out blocking schemes, Breaux might be drawing out “And with the men in motion, you force a defense to which we do it. We do it a lot more than most teams. It’s a short-yardage plays and Jerry Rhome might be working on communicate and when they have to communicate there constant evolution of formations. You change as much as passing plays, all at the same time. is a good chance something might go wrong. It may cause 30 to 40 percent per year. With one back and four receivers, “On Tuesdays, we fit in formations with (pass) protec- problems with their audibles.” it gives us a lot of flexibility.” tions. We may have 100 different pass plays written on the “We also try to break down our own tendencies each Each weekday night, Gibbs assembles his offensive as- board. We generally go into a game with 12 first-down pass week,” Gibbs says. “It’s a self-scouting type thing that also sistants in a Redskin Park coach’s room and, often enough, plays and the same number of second-down (pass) plays. helps us change things (and confuse the opposition’s play munches on his favorite late-night, play-creating snack: We have a few more plays for our nickel package (third- recognition even more).” Mr. Goodbar candy bars. down pass plays). “The fun of professional football for us,” says Bugel, “We call the room ‘The Submarine,’ “ says Joe Bugel, “As the week goes by, we take plays off the board. We nodding and waving his index finger for emphasis, “is that offensive line coach. “Once we get in the room, we close pick out plays to beat the defense’s tendencies. So much on Sunday we get to find out how well we coached during all the hatches and nobody is allowed in or out.” This is work is involved in each play. We break down each play. the week.” n the place where the pen in motion creates Redskins’ men Everything is dissected. I might adjust our blocking. The “He’s a tireless worker, just dedicated to one thing and that was to go out there and coach the heck out of those guys and get them better to win some games. Buges has always been a great teacher – a real fundamentalist. He breaks things down very simple. I have all the respect and admiration for him. I learned a lot from being with him the first time I came with the Redskins back in ’81. He’s had a great career and did a great job. He’s a tremendous coach.”

– Rennie Simmons Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-93, 2004-08) The New York Times January 3, 1984 Redskins’ linemen are almost perfect

By Gerald Eskenazig Angeles defense, Bugel said: ‘’The Rams lined up the way Rams. ‘’It will be a completely new plan,’’ he said of the we knew they would. They just line up, and they say, ‘O. game against the 49ers. n Monday mornings, the Washington Redskins’ of- K., this is who we are, and let the best man win.’ ‘’ Except for Dallas, the 49ers were the last team to defeat Ofensive linemen, who proudly call themselves the To Bugel, the heart of the Rams’ defense is their corps the Redskins in Washington, in the third game of the 1981 Hogs, gather around to view the grades posted by Joe Bu- of , all high draft picks. Two of them, George season. ‘’It will give us something to remember,’’ said the gel for all to see. Andrews and , were pitted against the Red- Redskins’ head coach, Joe Gibbs. They smirk and poke one another in the bellies when skins’ tight ends, Don Warren and Rick Walker. That left a Remembering has played a role in Washington’s suc- they read that one of them failed to protect the quarterback, blocking mismatch, as the other two linebackers, Jim Col- cess this season. or that a foot of one of them was stepped on. Even after lins and Carl Ekern, had to work their way around the Red- Theismann, for example, said that even when his club victories, Bugel, the assistant head coach in charge of the skins’ guards, Russ Grimm and Mark May. ‘’Did you know was up by 24-0 and had a 38-7 edge at halftime Sunday, he offense and the architect of the offensive line, customarily that our guards weigh 298 pounds each?’’ Bugel said. was reminded of something else. finds fault. ‘’When I look at that scoreboard, I see 0-0,’’ he said. But Bugel could blare out only these results yesterday: Double-Teaming Youngblood ‘’Coach Gibbs makes sure of that. We remember the open- ‘’They were awesome on Sunday. They played as good as Meanwhile, George Starke, one of Washington’s tack- ing game of the season. We led Dallas by 23-3 at halftime. they ever did. They were practically flawless.’’ les, went against the veteran left end . We lost by 31-30.’’ n Bugel, speaking from the Redskins’ training camp Starke at times had trouble, and so Bugel gave him some outside Washington, didn’t care that he had violated the help by having , a running back, move in on commandment dictating that a coach must never say his passing situations to double-team Youngblood. unit played perfectly. He simply could not dispute the Jeff Bostic, the center, was matched against the nose facts. The Redskins had advanced to the National Confer- tackle, , while Joe Jacoby, the left tackle, was ence championship game, against the opposite Reggie Doss, the Rams’ right end. at Washington next Sunday, by routing the ‘’During the game, the Rams didn’t change,’’ Bu- Rams, 51-7. And his offensive linemen had played their gel said. ‘’They have an aggressive style, and it worked role to virtual perfection. against Dallas. We planned for them not to change, and they didn’t.’’ Looking for Zero Sacks Bugel had praise left over for Riggins, who scored ‘’We don’t grade a player by giving him a number,’’ three rushing - one from 3 yards out, the oth- Bugel said. ‘’We make comments on each player and post ers from the 1. the comments. But our standard is: no sacks on the quar- ‘’When you’re near the goal line,’’ said Bugel, ‘’the terback, and our running back getting 100 yards. Joe The- other team’s safeties come up at you. That means there is ismann wasn’t sacked, and John Riggins got more than 100 going to be a defensive player that your line can’t account yards.’’ for. You have to make sure your ballcarrier knows where ‘’We were also 100 percent from what we call the red that free man is. And that’s what John is beautiful at. Rig- area - inside the 20,’’ Bugel said. That is, every time the gins is just an expert at that.’’ Redskins advanced inside the Los Angeles 20-yard line at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, they scored. Changes for 49er Game As for the Hogs’ man-to-man matchups against the Los Starting Wednesday, though, Bugel will introduce his line to a defense he calls very different from that of the “Joe Bugel was a professional football coach. He had great passion for the game. He was a great leader of men. To me, he knew what professional football was all about and to watch him work with his men, the love he had for them, he was a great communicator and it never wavered. It didn’t waiver when they were losing. He was the same way as when they were winning. He was business as usual and that’s something you appreciate in a coach. I have great respect for him and he would always tell you what he thought.”

– Washington Redskins Quarterback (1964-74) The Washington Post October 31, 1984 Redskins’ Bugel Hot Enough to Be Hogtied

By Gary Pomerantz guy would miss a pass. It was just one guy would do one checkers now.” thing wrong on every single play.” Bugel said he was pleased with Donnalley’s perfor- wo hours later the door to the Redskin Park film room Bugel is 44. He crafted the offensive line at Houston mance Sunday. “I think he’ll fill that position admirably Topened, at last, and the Hogs’ blowout session was (1977-80) that helped Earl Campbell make his legend. for us.” over. Since, Bugel has shaped the line that allowed Riggins to He said he was not disappointed in the pass-blocking, One by one, the Washington Redskins’ offensive line- score his NFL-record 24 touchdowns last year and to post either. Quarterback Joe Theismann was sacked three times, men walked out, looking like so many scolded children his career-best numbers in the autumn of his career. which, perhaps, is to be expected when he throws 41 pass- heading for the stool in the corner. The last few weeks have provided Bugel’s ultimate es. In fact, the Hogs have yielded 18 sacks in nine games, “I’m a veteran and I’ve been around long enough to test. All-pro center Jeff Bostic’s season was ended by a a ratio superior to their average in each of the last two sea- know when not to talk,” right guard said. knee injury in St. Louis two weeks ago. He was replaced sons, when they allowed 40 in 13 games in 1982 and 44 in “I’m not saying anything,” said right tackle Mark May. by Donnalley, who was acquired from Pittsbugh in late Au- 19 games last season. “The only thing I want to do is get better.” gust. Right tackle George Starke, 36, has had knee troubles It’s the run blocking that concerns Bugel. The Redskins All-pro left guard Russ Grimm didn’t offer a word, ei- that have precipitated the long-expected move of May have the No. 2-ranked rush offense in the league now, aver- ther. He walked away from a reporter. A bit later, Joe Bugel from right guard to right tackle and Huff into the lineup aging 157 yards per game. Only Chicago averages more. sat on a desk and the assistant head coach known as Boss at right guard. The Giants frustrated the Redskins with a new defen- Hog said, “I’ll be honest with you. Right now, I’m sick to Although Starke’s knee should be well enough for him sive alignment. Instead of their normal 3-4 formation, my stomach. We’ve got good players. There is no excuse to play Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons in RFK They pinched their two inside linebackers closer to the for us to lose like that. Stadium, according to Coach Joe Gibbs, Bugel said Starke line of scrimmage and let outside linebacker Lawrence “Our intensity was bad and it showed up on the game won’t start. In fact, Bugel added, barring further injuries Taylor rove. film . . . Right now, we’re going through some tough times. Starke will become a backup tackle to Jacoby and May. The Redskins’ counterstrategy was not the problem, I’m a very bad loser. And I’m a worse loser when we’re Loyalty to his Hogs is the cornerstone of Bugel’s Bugel said. The problem was the players trying to carry it making technical errors because that’s a reflection on the coaching. There is no such thing as demotion, just rear- out. They didn’t. coaches. rangement. He said, “Here’s my thinking: May is healthy, “The things we did to combat that (new defensive “I must have run each play (on the projector) five times, Huff is healthy. I’m going to play the healthy guys. Until alignment) were excellent, but the guys just did not do the once for each down lineman. I started with May and told George gets totally healthy, he’s going to be a backup, the job,” Bugel said. “I think the Giants tried to confuse the him his corrections. I went to Huff, then to (center Rick) swing man. I’m not going to play a guy with a bad knee. schemes. We’re a very big zone (blocking) team; we (the Donnalley, then to Grimm and to (left tackle Joe) Jacoby “I think that Mark May’s (best) position is tackle . . . Hogs) help each other a lot. and made sure they all understood things and to see if they I think if we played George in just certain periods, I think “When the Giants covered everybody (on the line) and had any questions. I wanted them to understand where I he could play two to three more years. He’s a valuable as- put an extra (fifth) guy in there, too, it breaks down our was coming from.” set to our football team . . . I explained that to George. He zone-blocking theories and now it’s all one-on-one block- Truth be told, Bugel was coming from anger. He is ac- knows his role.” ing. They also put (Taylor) in an advantageous position customed to seeing plays like 50-Gut powering fullback Bugel also is worried about Grimm, who has been where we didn’t have a chance to get to him. John Riggins through the Hogs right into the Super Bowl. bothered by a groin pull since the Dallas game three weeks “But we actually had better plays called where we It’s happened that way for the last two seasons. ago. “That groin injury has not healed and it’s going to could have outexecuted their defense. That’s what upsets Sunday, however, the beat the Red- take rest,” the coach said. “We’re going to have to make a us. I’ll show you the film to back it up. We missed three skins, 37-13, in the Meadowlands and the Hogs seemed decision on how much practice time he will get. He’s not (run) plays that could have gotten 45 yards each and in- nearly submissive. Worst of all, the Redskins’ running playing 100 percent. He’s been playing in pain. The thing stead of 45 we got six yards on them. We didn’t want six. game netted just 79 yards on 23 carries. keeps swelling on him.” We wanted 40. We get those three plays and it’s a different “It wasn’t so much what the Giants did to us,” Bugel Most of all, Bugel said, he wants to limit the line game.” said. “It was what we did to ourselves. Everybody on the changes. “We’ve got to stabilize this thing,” he said. “It’s Bugel shook his head. “I’m bitter,” he said. “I don’t whole offensive team: one guy would miss a block, one bad enough to lose a center (Bostic). I don’t want to play think we should have lost the game.” n “I first worked with Joe Bugel at the Naval Academy in 1970. We were reunited in 1981 on Joe Gibbs’ staff with the Washington Redskins. Joe was, without a doubt, the best offensive line coach I came in contact with in 30 years in the NFL. He commanded respect not only from his players, but from all the coaches he worked with.”

– Larry Peccatiello Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-93) The Washington Post January 31, 1988 The Hogs: Not as Famous, but Still Proud; They Wear Jeans, Flip-Flops, Baseball Caps; They Do Not Like Glamor or Admit Quarterbacks

By Tom Friend mann, who each rate their ascension to Hogdom as one of is putting them through what he calls “a pain and torture life’s most cherished moments. program.” In other words, training camp. till Hogs after all these years, the Washington Redskins Contrary to popular belief, new Hogs do not have to Theismann never had to hit a blocking dummy every Soffensive line must belly-up to the in pass strenuous tests to join. “They don’t make guys chug day, which is why he never made “piglet.” Besides, Bugel Sunday’s Super Bowl game here. two gallons of beer,” Theilemann said. said: “We don’t want a quarterback in the gang.” If Broncos quarterback plays as well as Instead, you’re automatically a Hog if you start for Grimm gives Bugel 50 percent of the Hogs’ credit. advertised, the best Redskins’ strategy will be to keep him most of the season. You know you’re in when you find a “Really, 50 percent is ability and 50 percent is Buges,” bored on the bench. To do this, Washington must control Hogs T-shirt at your locker. New T-shirts are distributed Grimm said. “No kidding.” the ball and the clock or, in other words, be hogs. every fall. Theilemann thinks Bugel is ahead of his time in terms In 1982, offensive line coach Joe Bugel just happened “Well, they’re not the most expensive shirts in the of teaching line play, and he explained, “We work on foot- to begin a practice by screaming, “Let’s go, you hogs,” and world,” Theilemann said. “They’re T-shirts, and they’re ex- work until our feet fall off.” his linemen followed single-file. Because the linemen were tra larges and they kind of fade after a few washes, so we Bugel often gets linked to head coaching jobs, and the proud to be pigs, the nickname stuck, and it became a ral- have to replenish them after every year.” Hogs think they’ll lose him someday. “When it happens,” lying cry that season as John Riggins ran the Redskins to a Every Thursday is “Hog Thursday,” which means you Grimm said, “I imagine he’ll get a lot of phone calls.” Super Bowl victory and so much more. must wear your shirt all day. If you forget to wear it -- like Bugel, meanwhile, said this season’s is his best line, The Hogs became so well-known, they even had cheer- May has done a couple of times this year -- you’re fined $ though he added: “I think it’ll have to win a Super Bowl” leaders -- four large men in dresses and hog snouts. Quar- 50, though Bugel is thinking about increasing the penalty. to be ranked side by side with the 1982 group. Clearly, terback Joe Theismann threw a key block one day and “[Bugel] says inflation’s up, so he’s up, too,” May com- there’s more athleticism now than there was before with begged to be named an “honorary piglet.” Pot bellies were plained. McKenzie, a superb pass blocker, and Theilemann, who in, and the Redskins had appropriately named running Still, May hasn’t paid his fines yet. is quick for a 6-foot-4, 265-pounder. The line’s average plays like “50 Gut.” “I will,” he said this week. weight, though, still is 279 pounds. Alas, it has mostly died down since then, with Bugel Theilemann said he will believe that when he sees it. “I think the trend toward Hogs being fat guys is gone blaming that on the retirements of Riggins, Theismann “He may be the toughest guy in the world to collect from,” now,” Theilemann said. “Seems like everybody’s in better and Head Hog, George Starke. Riggins is the only running Thielemann said. “I think we’ll never see that $ 50.” shape now. The wives are keeping us off the streets.” back ever to be made a Hog, and current running backs Theilemann, acquired in 1985 from Atlanta, was even a On the other hand, there are some imposing Hogs wait- George Rogers, and have no Hog in college -- an Arkansas Razorback. When he joined ing in the pen -- 340-pound Wally Kleine and 320-pound prayer of following in his footsteps. the Redskins, he immediately was reordained a Hog, , both rookies. Kleine, drafted as a tackle, also The Redskins’ offensive philosophy no longer is to though May said: “R.C. got off easy, I guess because he will be tried at guard next season; Simmons started games pound defenses into oblivion, probably because their best was an older, seasoned veteran.” at both guard and tackle this season. players are passers and pass-catchers. On the other hand, Theilemann, reciting somewhat of a Hog anthem, said: “Those two, they’re getting close to 400 pounds,” said Coach Joe Gibbs wouldn’t mind controlling the ball for 40 “Hogs, it’s the guys with no finesse. They call us dirt bags, Bugel, who won’t rule out the possibility of a line entirely minutes in Sunday’s game. lunch-pail guys, blue-collar guys. There are numerous of 400-pounders. In the meantime, the 279-pound Hogs The current group of Hogs has three charter members names you can call us. We wear jeans, flip-flops, tennis will have to do. n -- center Jeff Bostic and tackles Mark May and Joe Jacoby. shoes, baseball caps. We don’t like the glamorous life and Another original -- Russ Grimm -- rides the bench. The we work hard. We work hard every day.” newcomers are guards Raleigh McKenzie and R.C. Theile- Bugel’s method of separating the Hogs from the men “Coach Bugel came in at the right time in my career. I was not playing very well and Coach Buges immediately corrected my technique. He helped me play at a high level and he would never compromise by allowing me or any of my teammates to play with bad technique. He would work on making sure you had good technique until it was corrected. Coach Buges would always say; ‘Great technique prevents injury.’

“He is by far the best offensive line coach that I have played under. I have definitely been blessed to have a coach and mentor like Coach Buges.” – Chris Samuels Washington Redskins Tackle (2000-Present) The Washington Times February 7, 1990 Finally, a real boss; Bugel fulfills his dream in Phoenix

By John Hawkins family and the greatest moment in my life. This is a job I if he’s calling the plays,” said Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, truly, truly wanted.” who brought Bugel with him to Washington in 1981. “I’ll y the time he got to Phoenix, which was at mid-af- Nobody doubts that. What fueled Bugel, who turns 50 be willing to bet he calms down a little bit.” Bternoon yesterday, Joe Bugel’s nine seasons with the in March, perhaps more than anything else was how close Offensive tackle Mark May, the Redskins’ first draft Washington Redskins had been condensed into a fountain he’d come before - and how many times he’d come close. pick of the Gibbs-Bugel regime, isn’t so sure. May sug- of fond memories. The former offensive line coach was The tease started in 1983, when the U.S. Football League’s gested Bugel might not have a sedate bone in his body - more than the ultra-emotional Boss Hog; he was an ac- Pittsburgh Maulers offered him the lead clipboard. Bugel, and that such a nature might be just what the Cardinals knowledged top NFL assistant whose chance to run a team a Steel City native, turned it down and said later, “I prob- need. - any team - had arrived. ably would have slashed my wrists if I’d taken that job.” “Phoenix is the perfect place for him,” May said. “They Finally. The USFL folded at about the same time the Indianap- need a kick in the butt, and he’ll give it to them. They’ve “I think he was starting to wonder if he’d ever get the olis Colts and Detroit Lions came calling. Bugel’s stock never had a coach like that.” chance,” said Redskins general manager . still was rising after the 1984 season, when the Redskins Gibbs obviously would have loved to keep Bugel, but it “I know he would have felt so down if he didn’t get followed two straight Super Bowl appearances with an seemed only a matter of time before somebody in the NFL something this year,” said former Redskins general man- 11-5 record and a tough playoff loss to the Bears. gave him a head coaching job. His tutoring helped four ager Bobby Beathard, now with the San Diego Chargers. Indianapolis eventually hired , who Redskins - Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, Jeff Bostic and May - Never mind that he takes over the Cardinals, those rare joined the Redskins’ staff last week, and the Lions chose reach the Pro Bowl a cumulative nine times. The Redskins birds who remain in the NFC East despite nesting in the Darryl Rogers. Bugel, then 44, wondered aloud how many allowed just 24 sacks in 1988, the franchise’s lowest total Mountain Time Zone. Never mind that they are guided by times he’d fall short but said, “If I’m 48 and I’m not a head since 1972, then reduced the number to 21 in ‘89 despite an unpopular owner, Bill Bidwill, who charges the highest coach, I’m not going to surrender.” season-ending injuries to Jacoby and May and Grimm’s ticket prices in the NFL to see a franchise that hasn’t won He was a month short of 48 when Los Angeles Raiders recurring knee problems. a playoff game since 1947. owner narrowed a list of ’ possible May suggested that Bugel’s Cardinals will change their Forget that the Cardinals have qualified for postsea- successors to Bugel and . Bugel abruptly offensive line signals because “our defense will recognize son play just five times since World War II. Or that Bugel canceled a third interview with Davis in early 1988 and them right away. He’s got to change the terminology a little becomes their sixth coach since 1979 and the 30th in 70 pulled himself out of the hunt. Shanahan got the job and bit.” But Gibbs said he expects to see an offensive mirror of years. Special teams wedge-busters seemingly have more was released after 21 games. the Redskins when Phoenix and Washington convene their job security than do Cardinals coaches, but that didn’t mat- Bugel cited personal reasons for passing on the Raid- twice-a-year NFC East meetings. ter yesterday. ers’ opportunity, but it’s clear he didn’t see himself playing “He believes in what we’re doing here,” Gibbs said. Boss Hog finally is a Boss. He found out Monday night yes man to Davis, who chooses to dabble in all aspects of “I’d expect to see a lot of what we’re doing there.” from Cardinals general manager Larry Wilson during a the organization. Yesterday Bugel called it “one of the bet- How Bugel does with a team that begs for a decent 10-minute telephone conversation, a chat that had Bugel’s ter decisions I’ve ever made, because it allowed me to get quarterback (Neil Lomax recently retired) and two older, wife, Brenda, and their three daughters literally jumping the Phoenix Cardinals job.” banged-up running backs ( and Earl Fer- for joy. Don’t giggle. Bugel is a patch of Iowa farmland when rell) is anybody’s guess. But all Bugel wanted was a Bugel didn’t sleep a wink before flying to Phoenix. He it comes to being corny, a man whose sincerity is matched chance, and that’s what he has gotten. hasn’t yet signed his four-year contract, but Wilson said he only by his enthusiasm. He has been known to chew out a “For me, personally, this is uno,” he said. “I feel aw- would before he returns to his home in Oakton, probably player with wild language, then slap him on the fanny at fully proud.” n early next week. the end of the sentence. He is as demonstrative as coaches Yesterday Bugel was seen hugging Cardinals players get on the sideline, a bundle of energy whose teaching * Lloyd Herberg of the Arizona Republic contributed to he hadn’t even met. skills and relentless work ethic have led him to the top of this report. “Are we excited? You bet,” Bugel said. “Are we en- his profession. thused? You bet. This is probably the greatest day for my “He’ll have a hard time throwing a fit [on the field] “Joe Bugel’s resume speaks for itself. He is one of the greatest assistant coaches that the league has ever seen. It’s not just scheme and technique, it’s the ability to inspire greatness. As a rookie I was afraid of him, but more importantly I was afraid to let him down. I remember stretching at camp before a scrimmage vs. the Jets and he said, ‘big horse, you were born to play this game!’ As a rookie 10th-round pick from Idaho I was dumb enough to believe him. “Congratulations Joe and thanks for all you’ve done for the game!”

– Washington Redskins Guard (1989-94) The Washington Post August 20, 2004 For Bugel, There’s Always a Fine Line; From Hogs to Dirtbags, He Puts Stamp on Offense

By Nunyo Demasio Kenyatta Jones, a third-year player who started 11 side the chest area -- “tight hands,” Bugel explained -- be- games for the in 2001, has replaced fore punching out. oe Bugel huddled with 10 offensive linemen in a meet- Jansen in the starting lineup. He’ll join left tackle Samuels, The Redskins also have incorporated one of Bugel’s Jing room at Redskins Park following the Washington guards and Randy Thomas, and either trademark techniques: the arm pump, which is used in run Redskins’ first minicamp in March. The assistant head or Lennie Friedman, who are competing for blocking. The lineman cocks, or pumps, his arms to his coach for offense turned off the lights, then showed high- the starting center position, to round out the starting offen- sides before forcefully pushing upward -- “like a fork lift,” lights of the Hogs, the famed offensive line Bugel guided sive line. For depth, the Redskins added new reserves, in- Bugel said -- into the defender’s chest area. It diminishes under Coach Joe Gibbs in Washington from 1981 to 1989. cluding Ray Brown, at 41 one of the league’s oldest players the chances of holding and keeps the lineman from being Images flickered of linemen who began their NFL ca- who originally played in Washington from 1989 to 1995. passive. reers as obscure rookies, including Mark Schlereth, a 10th- Rookies Mark Wilson and Molinaro may be forced into “He wants us to hit ‘em in the chest and make their round selection, and Raleigh McKenzie, an 11th-round key roles. heartbeat stop,” Thomas said. “It stuns them at the line be- pick. Jeff Bostic, one of the original Hogs, had been a long After leaving the Redskins in 1990, Bugel struggled cause the defense is taught to hit you in your chest, so it’s snapper before transforming into a top-flight center. as an NFL head coach, going 24-56 over five seasons, better if you hit them first.” “This is how we’re going to do things here,” Bugel told four with the Phoenix Cardinals and one with the Oakland Bugel used imaginary handcuffs, teaching his players his new players, ranging from two-time Pro Bowl selection Raiders. But he is considered one of the best offensive line through repetition and constant reminders. Thomas, a sixth- Chris Samuels to rookie Jim Molinaro, a sixth-round pick. coaches in league history and was one of the first people year veteran, had previously known a similar technique but “A picture is worth a thousand words. Everybody I’m go- Gibbs lured out of retirement in January when he took the stopped using it last season because it wasn’t emphasized. ing to show you on tape has a Redskins helmet on. They’re Redskins coaching job. Samuels, who is coming off perhaps his worst NFL season, your older brothers. From 1977 to 1980, before joining Gibbs the first time, picked up damaging tendencies in recent years -- dropping “No matter where you’re drafted, or even if you’re not Bugel oversaw the Houston Oilers offensive line that tail- his head and using his hands improperly. drafted, if you do those things, you’ll always be a Red- back Earl Campbell dashed behind en route to the Hall “I developed some bad habits the past couple of years,” skin.” of Fame. With the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Bugel said Samuels, a five-year veteran who was still named a Then, before Bugel put away the tapes, the 64-year-old coached an offensive line composed of players earning the third alternate to the 2004 Pro Bowl. “With Joe Bugel com- offensive coach fast forwarded to the present by concoct- league minimum. The makeshift unit created enough holes ing back, it’s definitely going to help us out. He’s helped ing a nickname for his new crew: the Dirtbags, derived for tailback LaDainian Tomlinson to gain 1,236 rushing my game out tremendously already.” from seeing a muddied, scruffy in the first week yards, the second-highest total in franchise history. The Mount Rushmore of NFL offensive line coaches of practice. Bugel’s current and former players believe his success includes Bugel, Alex Gibbs and . Bugel dif- Jansen, one of the NFL’s best right tackles, suffered a stems from masterful motivational skills, communication ferentiates himself from others with a colorful personality season-ending injury, tearing his right Achilles’ tendon in ability and teaching acumen. Returning Redskins say they and an exceptional ability to inspire -- infusing confidence the preseason opener -- a 20-17 victory over the Denver have markedly improved through Bugel’s emphasis on in the least talented players while prodding star players to Broncos in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 9. It was a tremendous hand techniques to hinder defenders. reach their abilities. Bugel makes learning, especially in loss for Gibbs, whose run-heavy offense behind tailback Last season, Thomas, a gifted athlete who is agile de- the classroom, enjoyable because of his entertainer’s flair, Clinton Portis relies on the line more than any other unit. spite his 6-foot-5, 306-pound frame, relied on a flawed former and current players said. Nonetheless, the Redskins are optimistic they can with- blocking method -- blocking wide, with his hands several “He’s a combination of Tony Soprano and Shake- stand Jansen’s injury largely because of Bugel’s reputation inches apart. It left Thomas’s chest open to defenders, speare,” said Raymer, back in Washington after playing for meshing unheralded offensive linemen into formidable making him more vulnerable. A lineman has more control with the Redskins from 1995 to 2001. “He’s a philosopher, units. over the defender by keeping his hands close together in- but how do I say it? He’s an unsophisticated man’s philoso- pher. He came up with the word, ‘Dirtbags.’ You leave that Bugel recalls 1984, when Bostic severely injured his Thomas had taken umbrage to Bugel’s blunt remarks, the up to him. He’s one of a kind.” right knee and missed the second half of the season. The coach said he would have altered his approach. It only took Washington’s first minicamp for players to Redskins still finished 11-5 as Washington rushed for 2,274 “You can’t treat everybody alike; everybody is differ- realize Bugel’s unique touch. During a drill for offensive yards, 1,236 of them by John Riggins. In 1989, the club al- ent,” said Bugel, who makes sure to familiarize himself linemen, Bugel, with a scowl, screamed in Thomas’s ear, lowed only 21 sacks despite season-ending injuries to Ja- with his player’s relatives. “You’ve got to find a guy’s hot “You can be replaced!” coby and May and Grimm’s recurring knee ailments. The button. Some guys you can kick in the rear end. Some guys Bugel seemed to overlook that Thomas signed a seven- Redskins, behind and Ernest Byner, rushed you’ve got to hug and squeeze all the time. When you can year, $27.6 million contract in 2003; the $7 million sign- for 1,904 yards. master that, then you can put an offensive line together.” ing bonus remains the richest in NFL history for a right “Somebody has always gone down,” said Rick “Doc” Linemen say Bugel also inspires by being active and guard. Walker, who played tight end in Washington from 1980 to hands-on. In practice, Bugel often joins his players doing How did Thomas take Bugel’s remark? “I’ve got to go 1985. “We’ve always had a loss on the offensive line.” footwork or hitting tackling dummies. When the unit has out and get better,” Thomas said, chuckling. “You’ve got Bugel’s presence on the Redskins is so influential that weightlifting sessions, it’s no surprise for Bugel to be there to be criticized. You can’t be comfortable. I don’t think he heavily influenced Washington’s thinking during the too, pumping iron. Trudging off the field after practices, guys are comfortable because [Bugel] can plug anybody 2004 draft. Despite the need for a pass rusher on the de- Bugel is a familiar sight, sweat dripping down his face to in there.” fensive lines, the Redskins selected offensive linemen Mo- his white T-shirt, burgundy mesh shorts and burgundy-on- After being hired as offensive line coach by Gibbs in linaro and Wilson in the lower rounds instead. “I guess I go white sneakers. 1981, Bugel plugged in three rookies as starters: Mark back to the days when you pick a Jacoby and give him to “If you’ve got a big heavy coach telling you you’re not May (20th-overall pick), Russ Grimm (third-round pick) Buges,” Gibbs said, “and you wind up with a Pro Bowler. in shape,” Bugel said, “you’re going to look at him like, and Joe Jacoby, who signed as an undrafted rookie. The You have flashbacks there.” ‘I’m out of shape? Look at you coach. Look in the mirror. other lineman, Bostic, was a free agent who had been a The rookies are no different than the veterans when it Your belly is doubled-up over your pants.’ So as a coach for the the previous sea- comes to Bugel’s unusual brand of instruction. It’s not un- you try to be in condition.” son. George Starke was the veteran of the group. common for an NFL player to doze off during a two-hour Time seems to have frozen for Bugel since his previous Under Bugel’s tutelage, Bostic turned into one of the meeting. When Bugel senses that a player is becoming in- Redskins tenure. A swath of Bugel’s hair is blonde. But league’s top centers. Bostic, Grimm, Jacoby and May attentive, he sometimes responds by screaming or cursing Bugel didn’t take a page out of the style book of Dallas reached the Pro Bowl a total of nine times. Bugel named loudly. Cowboys Coach , who dyed his hair blond af- them the Hogs during the 1982 training camp because of “You’re probably jumping three or four feet out your ter returning to the NFL in 2003 following a hiatus. “Lac- their girth. (Bostic, Jacoby, Grimm, May and Starke aver- seat,” Raymer said, “because he just scared the hell out of quer but no dye,” insisted Bugel, who explained that his aged 280 pounds and 6 feet 5, making them the bulkiest you. He’s been around and knows all the tricks.” hair turns blonde naturally from the sun. unit in the NFL at the time.) In turn, the players dubbed And after a great play, Bugel has a habit of yelling: Bugel first left the Redskins in 1990 to become head Bugel Boss Hog. “Thaaaat’s football!” coach of the , beating out , “I’m not saying that those guys didn’t have abilities,” Dockery, a second-year player, said: “He’s a character. then the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator, and Mike said Redskins tight ends coach Rennie Simmons, who was He makes you laugh when you’re around him. You enjoy Holmgren, then the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, for the on Gibbs’s staff from 1981 to 1992, with Bugel the first coming to work because he’s a great guy. At the same time, job. From 1990 to 1993, Bugel went 20-44 with the Car- nine years. “Obviously, they had to have ability, but it took he’s somebody that’s going to push you to become the best dinals. He became an Oakland Raiders assistant for three somebody to get it out of them. And I think Buges has a person you can be.” seasons before being promoted to head coach in 1997. But way of doing that.” Bugel is known for switching from excoriating a play- Bugel was dismissed after one season and a 4-12 record. Bugel calls Jansen’s injury the biggest blow that er’s gaffe to moments later being effusive about a great “The best years I’ve ever had in coaching was with the he has encountered as an offensive line coach; the right play. During meetings, Bugel has shown videotape of a Washington Redskins and Joe Gibbs,” said Bugel, who tackle would have protected southpaw quarterback Mark poorly executed block several times in slow motion while initially retired from coaching after being with San Diego Brunell’s blind side, and his run-blocking prowess fit well throwing things around the room in outrage. Conversely, from 1998 to 2001. “I learned a tremendous amount of with Portis. Since Jansen’s injury occurred several weeks Bugel dissects good plays and heaps praise on the relevant football from Joe. We had great assistant coaches. When I before the regular season, however, it will at least give Bu- players. left here I was naive. I thought every program was run like gel time to find a replacement. “He’s one of those guys who kicks you in the butt, and this organization, but to find out it’s not. “If this was year two, I would worry more about miss- hugs you one play after another,” recalled Walker, now a “There have been some rocky roads out there, then I ing Jon Jansen,” May said this week. “But now they’re still local radio personality, echoing current players. made that U-turn when Joe called and said we’re going finding themselves. Bugel will eventually get a handful of But Bugel’s split coaching personality isn’t contrived, back home. So I’m going to finish on a great note coming guys that are interchangeable.” because players say he adapts to their sensibilities. If back to Washington.” n “If someone were to ask me to describe Coach Bugel in one word it would be phenomenal. He has impacted my world in a tangible way and will always be remembered.” – Derrick Dockery Washington Redskins Guard (2003-06, 2009-Present) “We have been down a lot of roads together and spent a lot of time together. He’s a great man to be in the fox hole with. He’s very inspiring. He’s always inspired me, and always will. His work and his work habits, his relationship with the players and coaches, I have great respect for him. He was a relentless coach. He wanted the best for his players, and wanted to put them in position to do their best. If that meant working them and working them, and him studying, he did whatever it took to put them in the best position to be successful for their careers and for their teams. Joe is a consummate professional. He’s a football man.” – Don Breaux Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-94, 2004-07) The Washington Post January 2, 2010 Season finale could mark end of the line for Bugel

By Barry Svrluga to bring in guard-center Edwin Williams, a Washington na- career, having used five starters at right guard, 11 offensive tive who played at the University of Maryland, as a college linemen at one point or another, juggling 300-pound men nly when Joe Bugel walks alone, as he does so often free agent, Bugel worked out Williams and talked to him like small rubber balls. Oafter Washington Redskins practice, do his players on the phone a few times. “He inspires all of us to look at the situation to see what see any sign of his 69 years in his face, in his body. They “He’s like, ‘Hey, stud,’ “ Williams said. “And I’ve it is, and then do his best to get those guys ready,” Zorn don’t think of his age when he is doing pushups as they known about Buges, because I’ve always been a [Red- said. “He is all over the situation -- in aggressive coach- head back to the locker room. They don’t think about it skins] fan. And I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, man, he’s calling ing, in patting those guys on the back when they need it, when he is spewing invective in their faces, downgrading me stud and horse. He must love me.’ I felt so comfortable and being in their face. He’s trying to prepare them for the their masculinity, reminding them he has spent 32 years coming here. violence of this game, and I think he does a good job with in the NFL. And they don’t consider it when he is talking “Then I got here, and I found out he calls everyone it. He’s using all of his experience, all of his talent to get about how much he loves them, when he is preaching, as ‘stud’ and ‘horse.’ And I’m like, okay, maybe I’m not spe- them ready.” veteran guard Randy Thomas said, “passion, loyalty and cial.” That approach can be tough for some to adjust to. friends.” Williams, just like basically every other Bugel pupil, “It’s a little challenging at first,” reserve tackle William “He’s got 10 more years in this game, man,” Thomas would later be called other names. Robinson said. “He’s demanding.” said. “I could tell you,” center said, “but it’d And that means not everyone embraces him immedi- That is not likely the case. Last month, the Redskins be all bleeps. I mean, he loves to use the F-word a lot.” ately. began what could be a monumental transition by hiring There’s more, of course, but cover your eyes and plug “We had some guys that you think they’d be amazing Bruce Allen to be their general manager. It’s all but cer- your ears. the way they look, the body type and all that type of stuff,” tain that Coach Jim Zorn will be replaced sometime after “He’s never politically correct,” Rabach said. “Never.” Rabach said. “You think they’d be an amazing athlete, but Sunday’s season finale at San Diego. And the shakeup will Bugel grew up in Pittsburgh, played guard and line- they’re just not a tough guy. And that’s definitely not what trickle down to the coaching staff, to Bugel, who serves as backer at Western Kentucky, began his coaching career at Buges wants. He’ll ride ‘em and ride ‘em until he either the Redskins’ offensive line coach but has done just about his alma mater in 1964 -- seven years before the oldest becomes that tough guy -- or he quits.” everything during his tenure in the league. current Redskin, long snapper , was born If there were ever a time before this when Bugel might On Friday morning, Bugel was there with the Red- -- and continued in college coaching with stops at Navy have been excused for quitting, it would have been during skins, wearing a burgundy ski hat and puffy jacket as the (1969-72), Iowa State (1973) and Ohio State (1974). In the 2008 training camp, when one of his three daughters, team went through its final practice of the season. Will it be 1975, he joined the staff of new Detroit Lions coach Rick 36-year-old Holly, died after a battle with bone cancer. In Bugel’s final practice -- period? Forzano. His glory days were with the Redskins from 1981 the weeks after Holly’s death, Bugel’s players said, the “Buges is tough to wear out,” former Redskins coach to ‘89, during which time he won two Super Bowls, and coach’s passion for fostering loyalty in his group came Joe Gibbs said. that helped him become the head coach of the then-Phoe- out. Earlier in the week, Bugel declined to talk about his nix Cardinals. That four-year stint didn’t yield a winning “We obviously had some heart-to-hearts,” Rabach said. career or his future, saying he didn’t think it was the right season, but he got another chance with the Raiders in 1997 “Tears were shared between us all. But he kept persever- time. But whether he decides to coach another season or (4-12), and he stayed in the NFL until 2001, his last year ing. He was a lot stronger than I think I would be in that not -- and most people at Redskins Park believe he will coaching the offensive line for the San Diego Chargers. situation. He coached right through it.” retire -- he has left a mammoth impression on the men he Then he seemingly retired. On Sunday, Bugel will coach through one more game coached, most of whom he has cussed at incessantly, then But when Gibbs got the band back together and re- with the Redskins. Next week, after Zorn’s future is sorted hugged around the neck. turned to the Redskins in 2004, he brought Bugel with out, Bugel’s might be, too. “He’s so passionate -- and loyal, man,” veteran guard him. And when Zorn took over for the 2008 season, Bugel “I’ll just remember his love for the game, the emotion Derrick Dockery said. “He cares a lot about his guys. He’ll stayed. This season, he began with a line that was supposed he showed, and his love for his guys,” Thomas said. “It do anything for his guys.” to be solid -- Chris Samuels at left tackle, Dockery at left hasn’t changed at all. He’s so intense. He’s only getting Becoming one of Bugel’s guys, though, can be a diffi- guard, Rabach at center, Thomas at right guard and Stephon younger, because he never loses a step. . . . Is he 70? I cult process. When the Redskins were considering whether Heyer at right tackle. He ends the season, and perhaps his thought he was 50-something.” n “Boss Hog was a stud, a mule and a beast all combined. He was a great teacher who was fundamentally based, but had the uncanny ability to add vulgar and violence into the mix and make you love to fight for this guy. If you failed, he’d meet you at the sideline and it’d be the worst thing you’d ever heard. If you succeeded, he’d meet you at the sideline with a big hug. He was very consistent, very demanding, very loving and caring. He was absolutely the best line coach I’ve ever seen.” – Doc Walker Washington Redskins Tight End (1980-85) Da n i e l M. Sn y d e r offensive line coach I came in contact with in 30 years in the NFL. He commanded Washington Redskins Owner respect not only from his players, but from all the coaches he worked with.” “Joe Bugel is a Redskins living legend. He bled Burgundy and Gold in giving Ri c h i e Pe t i t b o n everything he had to the Redskins organization and its fans.” Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1978-92), Head Coach (1993) Jo e Gi b b s “Joe is one of the best offensive line coaches in football. He did a great job – a hard Washington Redskins Head Coach (1981-92, 2004-07) worker, very loyal – and it’s too bad he’s retiring. He was just a very good football coach.” “I think back to all the late night meetings we’ve been in over the years and we Re n n i e Si mm o n s probably know more about each other than we’d care to admit. Buges is a loyal solider Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-93, 2004-08) for the Redskins organization. He has a great passion for coaching and he has great “Joe was passionate as far as football is concerned. He was totally zeroed in on one talent. His players really respected and liked him even though he beat the snot out of thing, and that was to work everyday to get better. That kind of sums up Buges as long them. True friendship comes from going through good times and bad times and Buges as I have been with him. He’s a tireless worker, just dedicated to one thing and that was and I have been through both.” to go out there and coach the heck out of those guys and get them better to win some Do n Br e a u x games. Buges has always been a great teacher – a real fundamentalist. He breaks things Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-93, 2004-07) down very simple. I have all the respect and admiration for him. I learned a lot from being with him the first time I came with the Redskins back in ’81. He’s had a great “Joe had a great relationship with his players while coaching them very hard. He had career and did a great job. He’s a tremendous coach.” the ability to be very demanding. They really cared about him, and he was able to mold them into a group – like a family. They really had each other’s back. They were a close- Je f f Bo s t i c knit group, and he was able to do that year after year. He was able to integrate other Washington Redskins Center (1980-93) players into it as players retired. I think he cared personally about his players. He had a “I think what he did initially in the early stages of my era and the guys that were on the close-knit group and as a result, they were very loyal to him and played hard for him. offensive line – Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, Mark May, Donnie Warren and myself – he “Certainly he was fun to be around. He was funny. He had a good sense of humor. took a lot of young football players and taught them how to play the game instead of He was able to see some humor in some situations where things were pretty tense just going out there and playing the game. He taught us how to play the game. It’s like sometimes. Certainly you could count on Joe having his guys ready week in and instilling habits into your children; if you do it at an early age they won’t go away. We week out. There was a lot of breakdown and a lot of thought put into what his were together for a long period of time. Buges coached us for nine years. You really recommendations would be week to week. You could pretty much count on his feel blessed and honored to have played for one of the most highly respected offensive suggestions. He wasn’t a guy that he felt like he knew it all. He was always looking for line coaches in NFL history.” a better way. He listened to other people. He would listen to your ideas and discuss it. Then he would make his decision. De r r i c k Do c k e r y “He was very passionate about what he did. He loved the game and had great respect for Washington Redskins Guard (2003-06, 2009-Present) the game and for people that had played it in the past. I would say he was a fundamental “If someone were to ask me to describe Coach Bugel in one word it would be football coach too. There were some things that he believed in strongly – fundamentally phenomenal. He has impacted my world in a tangible way and will always be and technique-wise. He would work those techniques from the time that I knew him way remembered.” back in 1981, all the way through our second tour. Some of those things that served him very well from a technique standpoint, he believed strongly in. He taught them whether it Ru ss Gr i mm was in the OTAs or whether it was preparation during the season. He was very demanding Washington Redskins Guard (1981-91), Assistant Coach (1992-00) that way. As a result, he was able to put together some very good offensive lines. “Retirement comes for everybody, but if you look back at what the guy has done throughout his career, whether he was in Detroit, Houston, Washington, Oakland, La r r y Pe c c a t i e l l o Arizona, back to Washington, his work has always been a great tribute to the game. Not Washington Redskins Assistant Coach (1981-93) only that, but I think all the guys that have played with him learned a lot and had a lot “I first worked with Joe Bugel at the Naval Academy in 1970. We were reunited in 1981 of special moments. He always treated you like a man. Best of luck to him and I hope on Joe Gibbs’ staff with the Washington Redskins. Joe was, without a doubt, the best he enjoys retirement.” “When you think of the Washington Redskins, you obviously think of the Hogs and Joe was the face of the Hogs. He is not only an amazing coach but, an amazing person and a good friend. He improved my career in every way possible. He taught me so much just in the short five years we were together. He definitely made me a lot better player than I ever thought I would be able to be. Technique-wise, I always thought I was a technician, but you’re never as much of a technician until you are around Joe. He is a tough, hard working, no-nonsense type of guy that demands the best from you and gets the best out of his players. He is an all-around good guy. Hands down the best coach I have ever played for.” – Casey Rabach Washington Redskins Center (2005-Present) Er i c Hi l l definitely liked the way that I responded. We had a good relationship. He always let Arizona Cardinals Linebacker (1989-97) you know when you were doing good, and he could be your best buddy. Then he could be your worst enemy too. He definitely let you know when you were doing wrong, and “I guess what I most respect and think about with Coach Bugel, is that I think he is what he expected from you. He was definitely one of the best, and still is one of the ultimately responsible for me growing up. He took over my second year in the league. best out there. He should be in the coaches’ Hall of Fame without a doubt.” I was a young talent, but not very disciplined and very immature. Joe Bugel pressed me and pressed me, embarrassed me and did whatever it took to make me showcase Ma r k Mo s e l e y my talents on and off the field. I really applaud him for being as tough as he was on me Washington Redskins Kicker (1974-86) because ultimately, it allowed me to have a long NFL career and it helped me in life “Joe is a staple. He’ll always be a part of the Redskins organization because he’s afterwards as well. He forced me to grow up and stop making some of the bonehead been a staple there for so long. When he first came to Washington, I had been here decisions that I was making as a young kid in the NFL.” for a couple of years. Joe came in as a young coach and a fireball. During the Joe Jo e Ja c o b y Gibbs eras, Joe Bugel was the fireball. He was always the motivator, the hollerer, the Washington Redskins Tackle/Guard (1981-93) screamer. He was the guy that kept everybody on their toes. He’s the kind of guy that any head coach would want to have around because he could keep everyone pumped up “He’s the man that made me who I am, on and off the field, and I love him dearly. and ready to play football. Joe’s just a great guy. He’s the kind of guy that everybody He had the ability to get the best out of his players. He showed me how to be an wants to be around. You can’t help but love the guy. He’s just a super individual.” individual that can teach somebody something and still be that person there to reward them. I owe a lot to him as far as what he did for me out there on the football field. I Ca s e y Ra b a c h became a husband, a father and now a coach, helping young people like he helped me.” Washington Redskins Center (2005-Present) “When you think of the Washington Redskins, you obviously think of the Hogs and Joe So n n y Ju r g e n s e n was the face of the Hogs. He is not only an amazing coach but, an amazing person and Washington Redskins Quarterback (1964-74) a good friend. He improved my career in every way possible. He taught me so much “Joe Bugel was a professional football coach. He had great passion for the game. just in the short five years we were together. He definitely made me a lot better player He was a great leader of men. To me, he knew what professional football was all than I ever thought I would be able to be. Technique-wise, I always thought I was a about and to watch him work with his men, the love he had for them, he was a great technician, but you’re never as much of a technician until you are around Joe. He is a communicator and it never wavered. It didn’t waiver when they were losing. He was tough, hard working, no-nonsense type of guy that demands the best from you and gets the same way as when they were winning. He was business as usual and he would the best out of his players. He is an all-around good guy. Hands down the best coach I always tell you what he thought. That’s something you appreciate in a coach. I have have ever played for.” great respect for him.” Ch r i s Sa m u e l s Ma r k Ma y Washington Redskins Tackle (2000-Present) Washington Redskins Tackle (1981-89) “Coach Bugel came in at the right time in my career. I was not playing very well and “So as Hogs, we owe a great debt to Joe Bugel, not only for bestowing that wonderful Coach Buges immediately corrected my technique. He helped me play at a high level nickname, but also for helping mold us into one of the best and most productive and he would never compromise by allowing me or any of my teammates to play with offensive lines ever. We all liked and respected Buges, but there were a few times we bad technique. He would work on making sure you had good technique until it was were ready to fry his bacon.” corrected. Coach Buges would always say; ‘Great technique prevents injury.’ “He is by far the best offensive line coach that I have played under. I have definitely Ra l e i g h McKe n z i e been blessed to have a coach and mentor like Coach Buges.” Washington Redskins Guard (1985-94) “First of all, I’ve got to give the utmost gratitude to him because he was the one who actually brought me into the league. When I came in as a rookie he was there, and he saw enough in me to keep me around and groom me into the Hogs, and the rest is history. He was a demanding coach, and I was the same type of player. I demanded more from myself, and it was a perfect fit. I liked the things that he taught, and he “First of all, I’ve got to give the utmost gratitude to him because he was the one who actually brought me into the league. When I came in as a rookie he was there, and he saw enough in me to keep me around and groom me into the Hogs, and the rest is history. He was a demanding coach, and I was the same type of player. I demanded more from myself, and it was a perfect fit. I liked the things that he taught, and he definitely liked the way that I responded. We had a good relationship, he always let you know when you’re doing good, and he could be your best buddy, then he could be your worst enemy too. He definitely let you know when you were doing wrong, and what he expected from you. He was definitely one of the best, and still is one of the best out there. He should be in the coaches Hall of Fame without a doubt.”

– Raleigh McKenzie Washington Redskins Guard (1985-94) Ma r k Sc h l e r e t h Do n Wa r r e n Washington Redskins Guard (1989-94) Washington Redskins Tight End (1979-92), Pro Scout (2005-09) “Joe Bugel’s resume speaks for itself. He is one of the greatest assistant coaches that “What makes him so good is that he makes everyone accountable and there was never a the league has ever seen. It’s not just scheme and technique, it’s the ability to inspire stone unturned. You knew everyone. Everybody knew who to block, what adjustments greatness. As a rookie I was afraid of him, but more importantly I was afraid to let him to make. There weren’t any audibles. Everyone knew their assignments all the time, down. I remember stretching at camp before a scrimmage versus the Jets and he said, there was no guessing game. When you went out there on the field, you could just react ‘big horse, you were born to play this game!’ As a rookie 10th-round pick from Idaho I without thinking. He was a very demanding coach. was dumb enough to believe him. “That’s what made Buges so great; you never wanted to let him down. He cared about “Congratulations Joe and thanks for all you’ve done for the game!” all his linemen. Some coaches don’t care about the people that they’re coaching. He cared about all the linemen.” Jo e Th e i sm a n n Washington Redskins Quarterback (1974-85) Do u g Wi l l i a ms “First of all, with Coach Bugel deciding not to continue his football career, the business Washington Redskins Quarterback (1986-89) loses an icon. He’s one of the greatest offensive line coaches ever in professional “I think we all know what Joe has meant to football as a whole, but we also know football, and also one of the best people that I’ve ever had the privilege to get to know. what he meant to the Washington Redskins, when you talk about the Hogs,. I had His passion for his players, his passion for the sport, and his passion for the Washington the pleasure of playing behind the Hogs. I never will forget, every game he would Redskins are second to none. Joe Bugel’s presence helped make the Washington always get them together, when he was talking about me playing – they used to call Redskins as great as they are.” me ‘pocket’ – and he would say, “Guys, he ain’t going nowhere, he’s going to be right here.’ I remember at halftime, after I had hurt my knee in the Super Bowl, we were up Ra n d y Th o m a s 35-10, and he walked up to me and he said, “Stud, you don’t have to play anymore if Washington Redskins Guard (2003-Present) you don’t want to,” and I looked at him and I said, “Coach, I started this game and I’m “When I first came to Washington, Buges wasn’t a part of the staff, but they brought going to finish it.” I’ll always remember Joe Bugel and the job he did with those guys him in to observe the offense and give his critique. At that time, I was honored just up front, and how fortunate I was to have the the opportunity to play behind them.” to be observed or looked at by Buges’ eyes. The days went by and the year went by and we found out Coach Gibbs was coming back and Buges was going to be on his St e v e Wi s n i e ws k i staff. I was just so excited to be in a group that could learn from Buges. And what an Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders Guard (1989-2001) adventure we had with him. He really brought a lot of passion to the game. He always “Joe Bugel is one of the finest position coaches to ever have coached in the NFL. mentioned passion, loyalty and friends. What a father figure he is to some guys who He leaves a legacy of transforming men’s lives both on and off the field that spans don’t have one. I just wish him the best. He’ll always have a place in my game.” decades. No coach had a greater influence on my development as a player or as a man than Joe Bugel. The legacy that Joe leaves as a coach is of a man who cared Do c Wa l k e r deeply for his players both as a position coach and as a head coach. You always knew Washington Redskins Tight End (1980-85) beyond a shadow of a doubt that Joe wanted you to succeed as a man, as a football “Boss Hog was a stud, a mule and a beast all combined. He was a great teacher, who player, as a father and as a husband. Joe was always the first to give you a big hug was fundamentally based, but had the uncanny ability to add vulgar and violence into when you succeeded and the first to pat you on the back in defeat. He will forever be the mix and make you love to fight for this guy. If you failed, he’d meet you at the remembered as one of the finest coaches in the history of the NFL.” sideline and it’d be the worst thing you’d ever heard. If you succeeded, he’d meet you at the sideline with a big hug. He was very consistent, very demanding, very loving and caring. He was absolutely the best line coach I’ve ever seen. And not even just line coaches – Joe Bugel could’ve coached backs, he could’ve coached anybody. He was just a very passionate guy who was well-schooled. The thing most coaches fail in is their ability to communicate properly. He could communicate with anybody – black, white, green, big guy, small guy, fast guy, slow guy. Joe Bugel was a consummate coach and a great guy. It was a thrill to be a part of it.” Editors: Zack Bolno, Michael Pehanich, Matt Terl, Matt Taylor, Matt Bertram, Amanda DeCenzo, Jay Jenkins, Matt Lynn, Bryce McDevitt, Seth Saunders Graphic Design: Katherine D. Myrick Cover Design: Matt Terl Cover Photo: Jim Folliard ~ Gearshift Productions Printing: Kathy and Rusty Coolidge ~ Chroma Graphics, Inc. ~ Upper Marlboro, MD “Joe Bugel is a Redskins living legend. He bled Burgundy and Gold in giving everything he had to the Redskins organization and its fans.”

– Daniel M. Snyder Washington Redskins Owner