Biographical details | |
---|---|
Born | Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S. | January 20, 1943
Died | March 22, 2020 | (aged 77)
Playing career | |
1961–1964 | Missouri |
Position(s) | Linebacker |
Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
1969–1970 | Michigan State (DL) |
1971 | Eastern Michigan (LB) |
1972 | Minnesota (LB) |
1973–1978 | Pittsburgh Steelers (LB) |
1979–1983 | Pittsburgh Steelers (DC) |
1984 | Oklahoma Outlaws |
1985–1988 | Missouri |
1989–1992 | Detroit Lions (DC) |
1993–1994 | Cleveland Browns (LB) |
1995–1996 | Vanderbilt (DC) |
1997–2001 | Vanderbilt |
2003–2004 | Southeastern Louisiana (DC) |
2005–2007 | New Mexico State (DC) |
Head coaching record | |
Overall | 27–71–1 (college) |
Robert "Woody" Widenhofer (January 20, 1943 – March 22, 2020)[1] was an American college football head coach and longtime assistant coach in the National Football League (NFL). Widenhofer is best known for helping the Pittsburgh Steelers "Steel Curtain" defense that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. He later served unsuccessful tenures as head coach at the University of Missouri and Vanderbilt University.
Widenhofer attended Riverview High School in Riverview, Michigan, and played linebacker at Missouri from 1961 to 1964 under coach Dan Devine. He went on to receive a master's degree at Michigan State University.