Three esteemed former assistant coaches, Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, and Jim McNally, are set to be recognized with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 Awards of Excellence. This announcement was made earlier this week, marking them as the latest distinguished group of assistant coaches to receive this prestigious accolade, which acknowledges exemplary contributions by coordinators and position coaches in the National Football League (NFL).
Dick Hoak enjoyed a remarkable 10-year playing career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before transitioning into coaching. He joined Chuck Noll’s coaching staff in 1972, taking on the role of running backs coach, a position he held for an impressive 35 consecutive seasons. During his tenure, he was pivotal in the development of legendary players such as Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis. Hoak’s coaching journey coincided with the Steelers’ dominance in the NFL, as the team secured five Super Bowl titles and consistently led the league in rushing offense under his guidance.
Elijah Pitts also boasts an impressive legacy, having played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, where he won five NFL championships and participated in two Super Bowl victories. Following his playing days, Pitts embarked on a successful coaching career, which included mentoring Hall of Famers Earl Campbell and Thurman Thomas. He played a crucial role in the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff success during the 1970s with a powerful ground game before joining Chuck Knox in Buffalo. In Buffalo, he contributed to the Bills’ historic run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances before retiring after the 1997 season.
Jim McNally’s coaching resume spans an impressive 43 years in the NFL, starting as an offensive line coach in Cincinnati in 1980. Throughout his career, he coached Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz during Munoz’s illustrious 13-season career with the Bengals, helping the team reach the Super Bowl on two occasions. Beyond Cincinnati, McNally’s expertise was sought by teams such as the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills, where he continued to make significant contributions. Following his coaching career, he served as a consultant for various franchises including the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets, and the Bengals, before officially retiring from the coaching profession in 2023.
These three legendary coaches will be celebrated at a ceremony in June, joining previously announced recipients Pete Abitante, Jason Jenkins, and Bill Keenist, who earned the Awards of Excellence in the public relations directors category. The Hall of Fame is also expected to announce award winners in additional categories, encompassing athletic trainers, equipment managers, and film and video directors in the near future.
