Longtime New York Jets and Robert Morris head coach Joe Walton passed away on Sunday. He was 85.
A native of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Walton starred at Pitt before being drafted in the second round by the Washington Redskins in 1957. He spent four seasons in Washington before playing four years with the New York Giants.
Upon completion of his playing career, Walton became a scout with the Giants. He held that role until 1968 and then became an assistant coach for the franchise from 1969-73. After nine more years as an assistant with Washington and the Jets, Walton was named head coach of the Jets before the 1983 season.
In seven seasons leading Gang Green, Walton compiled a 53-57-1 overall record and took the team to the playoffs in 1985 and 1986. Walton served as offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1990 and 1991 before taking over the program at Robert Morris in 1994.
Walton would stay at RMU for 20 seasons, going 115-92-1, including an undefeated season in 2000 and berth in the FCS Playoffs in 2010. The RMU athletic department paid tribute to him this afternoon, as did current Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.
The RMU Department of Athletics is sorry to learn of the passing of Joe Walton, the architect of @RMU_Football.
Walton was inducted into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, and he is seen pictured here with former Washington quarterback @Theismann7.#RMUFB | 🔵🏈🔴 pic.twitter.com/8br1Fn5IJP
— RMU Athletics (@RMUAthletics) August 15, 2021
Paying tribute to a great Pitt Man. RIP Coach Walton pic.twitter.com/5CLbvuANaf
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) August 15, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with Walton’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Coach.
The post Longtime College, NFL Coach Has Passed Away At 85 appeared first on The Spun.
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