One of the best offensive minds in NFL history is headed back to the college ranks. Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Tom Moore has been hired to be an offensive analyst at the University of Iowa, his alma mater. Moore, 87, spent 13 seasons with the Steelers (1977-1989) in multiple offensive roles. He helped them win two Super Bowls (XIII, XIV).
Tom Moore’s Stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyTom Moore coached legendary Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw for seven seasons.
Moore was a key member of Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll’s staff for well over a decade in the Steel City. After starting as a wide receivers coach in 1977, he was eventually elevated to the role of offensive coordinator in 1983. During his tenure there, he coached future Hall of Famers in Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, and many others. Later on in his coaching career, he was hired to be the Indianapolis Colts‘ offensive coordinator. During seven of his 13 years there, he worked for former Steelers colleague Tony Dungy.
Known for being one of the best quarterback coaches in NFL history, Moore has worked with the likes of Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Tom Brady, and Baker Mayfield. He will now head back to the college ranks for the first time in half a century. That is not a joke. His last college stop came in 1976 with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. However, this is not the first time the former Hawkeyes quarterback has coached at his school. He was a graduate assistant there for two seasons (1961-1962).
Tom Moore Belongs in Canton Like so Many Steeler Greats
GettyIf inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tom Moore would be the 33rd former Steeler to earn the honor.
Moore has been coaching the game of football for 65 years. He has spent 49 of those years in the NFL as an offensive coach. The Pro Football Hall of Fame should honor more than just executives, head coaches, and players. It should honor those who have carved out a role in the NFL and performed that role to the highest of levels. Moore has done exactly that during his legendary coaching career.
Having been a part of four Super Bowl-winning teams, coached multiple Hall of Fame quarterbacks, and anchored some of the best offenses of the modern era, Moore should be good enough to be inducted into Canton, Ohio, if he ever decides to retire. However, that seems unlikely.
A lot of eyes will be on the Iowa Hawkeyes after this key hire. Having struggled on offense over the last few seasons under longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz, the team has needed some experience and fresh eyes. Moore has obviously seen it all and done it all. In fact, the case could be made that no coach in the history of the sport has seen as much as he has seen. If the Hawkeyes can go on a magical run this year, Moore will certainly be deserving of a lot of the credit.
Steelers Legend Hired at Iowa: Report