Joe Bugel
Encyclopedia
Joseph John 'Buges' Bugel (born March 10, 1940) was the Offensive line coach
for the Washington Redskins
from 1981 to 1989 and from 2004 to 2009. He served as offensive line coach or assistant for the Detroit Lions 1975–76, the Houston Oilers 1977–80, Washington Redskins 1981–89, Oakland Raiders 1995–96, San Diego Chargers 1998–2001, and the Redskins again since 2004. Bugel is widely acknowledged as one of the great offensive line coaches in NFL history. He was also head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals (1990–93) and Oakland Raiders (1997). As head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals
, and the Oakland Raiders
, Bugel compiled a record of 24 wins against 56 losses over five full seasons. He is best known for the creation of "The Hogs
" -- the nickname he penned for his offensive line unit during the Redskins' 1982 training camp. Bugel is known by the nickname "Boss Hog".
.
(1969–1972) and his alma mater, Western Kentucky (1964–1968). Bugel originally entered the NFL in 1975, spending two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions
.
in the same capacity in 1977. During his four seasons with the Oilers, the team set records in rushing and passing. His offensive line was also instrumental in the Oilers' stunning 1979 playoff upset over the high-powered San Diego Chargers
, led by Dan Fouts
. Working without Earl Campbell
, Bugel's line, led by All-Pro tackle Leon Gray
, made one-playoff-game heroes out of the likes of Rob Carpenter, Ronnie Coleman, Gifford Neilsen and Boobie Clark
.
(1981–1989), he began as the Redskins offensive coordinator in 1981 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 1983.. In 1982, he started develop "The Hogs
" -- the nickname he penned for his offensive line unit during the Redskins' 1982 training camp. Bugel developed the dominating “Hogs” offensive line that included stalwarts Russ Grimm
, Joe Jacoby
, Mark May
, Jeff Bostic
, George Starke
and others. 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. Overall, he has participated in three Super Bowls, six conference championships and 24 playoff contests. Washington won two of its three Super Bowls titles (XVII
, XXII
] while Bugel was on coach Joe Gibbs
staff.
, then Phoenix, from 1990 to 1993.
, serving as assistant head coach-offense from 1995 to 1996 before being named head coach for the 1997 season.
. After 2001, Bugel had a two-year respite.
In 2007, Bugel faced his biggest challenge since returning to Washington in 2004. He was without the services of a pair of his starters on the right side and was forced to make a series of adjustments. Right tackle Jon Jansen
(ankle surgery) landed on injured reserve after the season opener against Miami Dolphins and right guard Randy Thomas
(triceps injury) missed 14 contests. Bugel’s 2007 offensive line featured six different lineups and three different starters at the right tackle position but still led the Redskins to finish fifth in the NFC and 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (116.9 yards per game) in 2007. Running back Clinton Portis
ranked third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL with 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007.
Behind Bugel's offensive lines, Portis has established himself as one of the premier backs in football. His 2008 totals: 1,487 yards on 342 carries; move him to sixth among active running backs in career rushing yards.. With six 100 yard rushing games in 2008, Portis also took over as the leader in most 100-yard rushing games in Redskins history, with 25.
Additionally, Portis's 2008 campaign made it five straight seasons (2004–08) in which Bugel's lines have led a player to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark: Portis, 1,315 in 2004; Portis, 1,513, in 2005; Ladell Betts
, 1,154 in 2006; Portis, 1,262 in 2007 and Portis, 1,487 in 2008.
One of Bugel’s greatest strengths as an offensive line coach is to fill a void when projected starters sustain injuries, and this skill was on display yet again in 2008.
On 2008, despite a rotating cast at the right tackle position and a late-season injury to left tackle Pro Bowler Chris Samuels
, the offensive line paved the way for the Redskins running game to rack up 130.9 yards per game, eighth in the NFL. Despite suffering a late-season injury, Samuels continued his stellar career as a member of Bugel's offensive line, earning his sixth Pro Bowl
berth in nine active seasons; including four straight during his five seasons under Bugel's tutelage.
Offensive line coach
The offensive line coach is a coaching position in gridiron football that is in charge of the offensive line. This role is very common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The offensive line coach serves the offense, which is led by the offensive coordinator....
for the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
from 1981 to 1989 and from 2004 to 2009. He served as offensive line coach or assistant for the Detroit Lions 1975–76, the Houston Oilers 1977–80, Washington Redskins 1981–89, Oakland Raiders 1995–96, San Diego Chargers 1998–2001, and the Redskins again since 2004. Bugel is widely acknowledged as one of the great offensive line coaches in NFL history. He was also head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals (1990–93) and Oakland Raiders (1997). As head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Bugel compiled a record of 24 wins against 56 losses over five full seasons. He is best known for the creation of "The Hogs
The Hogs (American football)
The Hogs was the nickname for the offensive line of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League during the 1980s and early 1990s. Renowned for their ability to control the line of scrimmage, the Hogs helped the Redskins win three Super Bowl championships under head coach Joe Gibbs...
" -- the nickname he penned for his offensive line unit during the Redskins' 1982 training camp. Bugel is known by the nickname "Boss Hog".
Early life
A Pittsburgh 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). While earning his degree in physical education, Bugel was an all-conference guard and linebacker. He earned a master’s degree in counseling, also at Western KentuckyWestern Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier....
.
Early career
Before joining the NFL, Bugel spent time coaching at Ohio State (1974), Iowa State (1973), NavyNavy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
(1969–1972) and his alma mater, Western Kentucky (1964–1968). Bugel originally entered the NFL in 1975, spending two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
.
Houston Oilers
He joined the Houston OilersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
in the same capacity in 1977. During his four seasons with the Oilers, the team set records in rushing and passing. His offensive line was also instrumental in the Oilers' stunning 1979 playoff upset over the high-powered San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, led by Dan Fouts
Dan Fouts
Daniel Francis Fouts is a retired Hall of Fame American football quarterback in the National Football League. Fouts played his entire professional career with the San Diego Chargers from 1973 through 1987...
. Working without Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell
Earl Christian Campbell , nicknamed The Tyler Rose, is a former professional American Football running back. He, Paul Hornung and O.J Simpson are the only people to have won the Heisman Trophy , were first overall National Football League draft picks and are in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame...
, Bugel's line, led by All-Pro tackle Leon Gray
Leon Gray
Leon Gray was an American football tackle in the National Football League for the New England Patriots, Houston Oilers, and the New Orleans Saints. Gray played college football at Jackson State University.-Early life:...
, made one-playoff-game heroes out of the likes of Rob Carpenter, Ronnie Coleman, Gifford Neilsen and Boobie Clark
Boobie Clark
Charles Lee "Boobie" Clark was a professional American football running back who played in the National Football League for eight seasons and was named the UPI AFL-AFC Rookie of the Year for 1973.-Early years:...
.
Washington Redskins
In his first stint with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
(1981–1989), he began as the Redskins offensive coordinator in 1981 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 1983.. In 1982, he started develop "The Hogs
The Hogs (American football)
The Hogs was the nickname for the offensive line of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League during the 1980s and early 1990s. Renowned for their ability to control the line of scrimmage, the Hogs helped the Redskins win three Super Bowl championships under head coach Joe Gibbs...
" -- the nickname he penned for his offensive line unit during the Redskins' 1982 training camp. Bugel developed the dominating “Hogs” offensive line that included stalwarts Russ Grimm
Russ Grimm
Russell Scott Grimm is a former American football guard for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. As a collegian, he was an All-American center at the University of Pittsburgh. As a professional, Grimm had multi-selections to both the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams, and was...
, Joe Jacoby
Joe Jacoby
Joseph Erwin Jacoby is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins...
, Mark May
Mark May
Mark Eric May is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He is currently a football analyst for ESPN.-Football career:...
, Jeff Bostic
Jeff Bostic
Jeffrey Lynn Bostic is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League.-College career:...
, George Starke
George Starke
George Lawrence Starke is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League from 1972-84....
and others. 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. Overall, he has participated in three Super Bowls, six conference championships and 24 playoff contests. Washington won two of its three Super Bowls titles (XVII
Super Bowl XVII
Super Bowl XVII was an American football game played on January 30, 1983 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the strike-shortened 1982 regular season...
, XXII
Super Bowl XXII
Super Bowl XXII was an American football game played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1987 regular season...
] while Bugel was on coach Joe Gibbs
Joe Gibbs
Joe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
staff.
Phoenix Cardinals Head Coach
Bugel served as head coach of the Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, then Phoenix, from 1990 to 1993.
Oakland Raiders
He spent three seasons with the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, serving as assistant head coach-offense from 1995 to 1996 before being named head coach for the 1997 season.
San Diego Chargers
From 1998 to 2001, he oversaw the offensive line of the San Diego ChargersSan Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After 2001, Bugel had a two-year respite.
Second stint with the Redskins
Joe Bugel returned to the Redskins in 2004 as assistant head coach-offense in Joe Gibbs return to the team. Bugel’s offensive front led the Redskins to consecutive Top 10 finishes in rushing yards per game in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Redskins ranked seventh in the NFL and averaged 136.4 yards per game in 2005. The following season (2006), Washington ranked fourth in the NFL with an average of 138.5 yards per contest. Additionally, the Redskins pass protection unit allowed just 19 sacks in 2006, third-lowest in the NFL.In 2007, Bugel faced his biggest challenge since returning to Washington in 2004. He was without the services of a pair of his starters on the right side and was forced to make a series of adjustments. Right tackle Jon Jansen
Jon Jansen
Jonathan Ward Jansen is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
(ankle surgery) landed on injured reserve after the season opener against Miami Dolphins and right guard Randy Thomas
Randy Thomas (American football)
Randy Thomas is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
(triceps injury) missed 14 contests. Bugel’s 2007 offensive line featured six different lineups and three different starters at the right tackle position but still led the Redskins to finish fifth in the NFC and 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (116.9 yards per game) in 2007. Running back Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
ranked third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL with 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007.
Behind Bugel's offensive lines, Portis has established himself as one of the premier backs in football. His 2008 totals: 1,487 yards on 342 carries; move him to sixth among active running backs in career rushing yards.. With six 100 yard rushing games in 2008, Portis also took over as the leader in most 100-yard rushing games in Redskins history, with 25.
Additionally, Portis's 2008 campaign made it five straight seasons (2004–08) in which Bugel's lines have led a player to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark: Portis, 1,315 in 2004; Portis, 1,513, in 2005; Ladell Betts
Ladell Betts
Matthew Ladell Betts is an American football running back who is currently a free agent He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa....
, 1,154 in 2006; Portis, 1,262 in 2007 and Portis, 1,487 in 2008.
One of Bugel’s greatest strengths as an offensive line coach is to fill a void when projected starters sustain injuries, and this skill was on display yet again in 2008.
On 2008, despite a rotating cast at the right tackle position and a late-season injury to left tackle Pro Bowler Chris Samuels
Chris Samuels
-Washington Redskins:Samuels immediately became the starting left tackle for the Redskins and has since been selected to six Pro Bowls. In 2000, Samuels was one of only four players on offense to start every game, joining Jon Jansen, Mark Fischer and Stephen Alexander. Samuels won co-Offensive...
, the offensive line paved the way for the Redskins running game to rack up 130.9 yards per game, eighth in the NFL. Despite suffering a late-season injury, Samuels continued his stellar career as a member of Bugel's offensive line, earning his sixth Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
berth in nine active seasons; including four straight during his five seasons under Bugel's tutelage.
Personal life
Bugel and his wife, Brenda, have three daughters: Angie, and Jennifer and a son-in-law Monte. On August 21, 2008, Bugel's daughter Holly died at the age of 36 from bone cancer.Further reading
- Football Was Bugel's Passion Early On Redskins.com