Fred Hoaglin, a Pro Bowl center who spent seven seasons anchoring the Cleveland Browns offensive line before building a decorated coaching career, has died. He was 82.
Hoaglin passed away suddenly on August 1, according to his online obituary. Born January 28, 1944, in Alliance, Ohio, he grew up in East Palestine, where he was a three sport athlete in football, basketball and track.
He later played football and golf at the University of Pittsburgh before the Browns selected him in the sixth round of the 1966 NFL Draft, the 93rd overall pick.
A Standout Playing Career in Cleveland
Hoaglin spent seven seasons with the Browns from 1966 to 1972. After starter John Morrow was injured during his rookie year, Hoaglin stepped in to start the final six games of the season.
He went on to start every game at center for four straight years, helping Cleveland capture three consecutive Century Division titles from 1967 to 1969 and reach the conference championship game twice under head coach Blanton Collier.
His strong play at the pivot helped pave the way for running backs Leroy Kelly and Ron Johnson, who combined for nearly 1,300 rushing yards in 1969, the same year Hoaglin earned his lone Pro Bowl selection.
The Browns traded him to the Baltimore Colts ahead of the 1973 season. He then spent two years with the Houston Oilers before finishing his 11 year playing career with the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976, serving as that franchise’s first ever center.
Two Championships as a Coach
Once his playing days ended, Hoaglin moved into coaching, spending 24 seasons in the league. He began as an assistant with the Detroit Lions from 1978 to 1984 before joining the New York Giants as offensive line coach in 1985.
Working under head coach Bill Parcells, Hoaglin helped guide the Giants to Super Bowl victories in the 1986 and 1990 seasons, making him the most successful offensive line coach in franchise history with a 79 and 48 regular season record and a 7 and 2 mark in the playoffs during his tenure.
He later followed Parcells to the New England Patriots, where the team reached the Super Bowl in the 1996 season. Hoaglin closed out his coaching career as tight ends coach under Tom Coughlin with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1997 to 2001, and afterward coached at Hilton Head High School in South Carolina.
The Giants honored Hoaglin in a statement, calling him a vital part of both championship teams. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
