May 11, 2007

PITTSBURGH - Former Michigan State head football coach George Perles, who guided the Spartans to seven bowl appearances in his 12 seasons, was inducted into the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 5.

Perles compiled a 68-67-4 record (.503) during his 12-year tenure (1983-94), leading the Spartans to the Big Ten championship in 1987 and a 20-17 victory over Southern Cal in the '88 Rose Bowl. Three of his teams finished among the nation's Top 25, including the '87 team which ranked No. 8 in the final polls. Perles tutored nine first-team All-Americans at Michigan State, including four consensus selections: running back Lorenzo White (1985 and '87), offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (1988), offensive tackle Bob Kula (1989) and linebacker Percy Snow (1989). In addition, he coached three first-team Academic All-Americans: defensive back Dean Altobelli (1985-86), linebacker Shane Bullough (1986) and strong safety Steve Wasylk (1992-93).

A native of Allen Park, Mich., Perles lettered as a tackle for legendary Michigan State head coach Duffy Daugherty in 1958. After serving as an assistant coach under Daugherty (1967-71), Perles moved on to the National Football League where he spent 10 years an assistant coach under Chuck Noll (1972-81).

After working as the Steelers' defensive line coach for six seasons, Perles was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1978. A year later, he took on additional duties as Noll's assistant head coach. During his 10 seasons in Pittsburgh, the Steelers compiled a combined regular-season record of 105-42-1 (.713), including four Super Bowl championships (1974, '75, '78 and '79). Pittsburgh made eight straight play-off appearances from 1972-79.

In its first-ever Super Bowl (IX) appearance, Pittsburgh's defense limited Minnesota to 119 total yards, including just 17 yards on the ground, as the Steelers posted a 16-6 victory in New Orleans, La.

During Perles' tenure in Pittsburgh, the Steelers led the NFL in scoring defense twice, 1976 (9.9 points per game) and '78 (12.2 ppg.). Pittsburgh also led the league in total defense twice, 1974 (219.6 yards per game) and '76 (237.3 ypg.). In addition, Perles coached seven players that were selected for multiple Pro Bowls: defensive tackle Joe Greene, defensive end Dwight White, defensive end L.C. Greenwood, linebacker Jack Ham, linebacker Jack Lambert, cornerback Mel Blount and safety Donnie Shell.