Bill Austin, who played for the Giants and was a head coach of the Steelers and the Redskins, has died at the age of 84.
“Bill Austin was a great contributor to the growth of the National Football League as both a Pro Bowl lineman and coach,” Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. “He was highly recommended for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coaching job by Vince Lombardi, who Austin served as the line coach for in Green Bay and Washington. Austin was an excellent person when he coached for Pittsburgh and our condolences go out to his family. He will be missed.”
Austin was chosen by the Giants in the 13th round of the 1949 NFL draft and played for them in 1957. He then embarked on a long coaching career that started as an assistant for the Packers. He was head coach of the Steelers from 1966 to 1968, and of the Redskins in 1970. He coached for three decades in all, finally retiring after the 1985 season, when he was offensive line coach of the Jets.