Dick Haley, a native of Western Pennsylvania and a Pitt alumnus who assisted in building the Steelers dynasty of the 1970s, has passed away.
Dick Haley was 85 years old
Who was Dick Haley?
Haley, a native of Midway, headed the Steelers’ personnel department from 1971 through 1990, almost simultaneously with coach Chuck Noll’s tenure. At the conclusion of the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons, the Steelers won Super Bowls.
Seven Hall of Fame players were selected by the Steelers during Haley’s tenure (or were signed as undrafted rookies).
Haley participated in the legendary 1974 Steelers draft, which is frequently referred regarded as the finest team class in NFL history, along with scout Bill Nunn, personnel director Art Rooney Jr., and Noll.
From the draft class, Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, and Donnie Shell all achieved Hall of Fame status (Shell was signed as an undrafted free agent after the draft ended).
Dick Haley, a running back at Pitt from 1956 to 1958, had six NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, and Steelers, primarily on defense. Haley made 13 interceptions and scored a touchdown while playing with the Steelers between 1961 and 1964, starting 39 of his 49 games.