Former Steelers defensive coordinator and longtime Michigan State head coach George Perles died late Tuesday night in East Lansing, Mich. He was 85.
Perles was an assistant coach at Michigan State when he was hired by Chuck Noll as defensive line coach in 1972. He held that position until 1978, when he became the Steelers defensive coordinator, helping form the foundation of what would become one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
"I am sorry to hear the news of the passing of George Perles," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement released by the team.