Former Green Bay Packers offensive line coach Larry Beightol, who is widely considered one of the greatest offensive line coaches in the history of the NFL, passed away Thursday at 81-years-old.
Beightol passed away in Fayetteville, Ark., with complications from diabetes, dementia and heart failure. Beightol was a coach in the NFL from 1986 to 2006. He was the offensive line coach for eight different NFL teams.
Larry Beightol made his way around the league but is most known for his stint with the Green Bay Packers
Throughout his extended career as a coach in the NFL, Larry Beightol assisted many different teams. He started his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1986 and finished his career with the Detroit Lions in 2006. In between those two one-year stints, he coached for these teams:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1987-1988
- San Diego Chargers 1989
- New York Jets 1990-1994
- Houston Oilers 1995
- Miami Dolphins 1996-1998
- Green Bay Packers 1999-2005
Before making his way to the NFL, Beightol spent time coaching in college. He was the offensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers and the Missouri Tigers. He spent one year as the head coach of the Lousiana Tech Bulldogs.
His most notable stint was with the Packers. He originally became a part of the team under head coach Ray Rhodes. New head coach Mike Sherman brought Beightol back in 2000, as one of the few assistants to survive the regime change.
With Beightol on the staff, the Packers had five winning records and made the playoffs four times. The only other winning seasons he was a part of were with the Miami Dolphins in the two years before joining the Packers.
Fan support poured in for former Green Bay Packers coach Larry Beightol
Following the announcement of Beightol’s passing, many fans from all over the league are sharing their support. Beightol’s obituary in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette explained the type of person he was.
“Years of working 12 hours a day for 6 days a week took a toll on Larry’s health. To his very last breath, he fought the good fight and felt that he was one of the luckiest men on Earth. He always said he was a simple man who loved his wife, his daughter, his parents, his brothers, his home state of Pennsylvania, and of course, his beloved players.
“He was known for his generosity and fun-loving spirit. He truly enjoyed his career as a coach, not just the ups and downs of the game, but the people he worked with. To quote Bessie Stanley, ‘He has achieved success who has loved well, laughed often and loved much.'” the obituary said.
While offensive line coaches don’t typically find themselves in the limelight, condolences and support came in droves for the legendary offensive line coach.
Being from Fayetteville area, Berna funeral homes has a solid history of making the occasions as peaceful and respectful for families! Hate the news 🙁
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) April 6, 2024
He had an impressive career as one of the top offensive line coaches in NFL history. It’s always sad to lose someone who made such a significant impact in their field.
— Hmm… (@IfesanyaMuheez) April 6, 2024
My condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
— Hmm… (@IfesanyaMuheez) April 6, 2024
Very bad news
May his soul rest in peace— Dekings Sport International (@Chukwuebuk9804) April 6, 2024
Despite his remarkable coaching career Larry Beightol’s passing highlights the toll of health issues like heart failure dementia and diabetes serving as a sobering reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with professional football.
— Nadir Sameed (@NadirSameed) April 6, 2024
According to his obituary, donations to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762 are requested in place of flowers.
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