First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time coaching in the NFL ?
Well, I’m retired, I’m seventy-nine years old and am back in my hometown of Canton, Ohio where I grew up and went to school. I have three children and ten grandchildren and lots of activities to go to. Birthday parties, seemingly every other weekend, games… It’s great watching them grow up and play. It’s a full time job and I love it.
Let’s start with your hire in Pittsburgh as the offensive line coach. How did that happen? What did Noll say to you?
I was very fortunate to be hired by the Steelers. Noll was looking for an offensive line coach and I was an offensive line coach for years. I talked with Chuck through Dick Haley at first. He quizzed me on offensive line play. I had great mentors at Bowling Green where I coached and played before – great coaches there. So I had great respect for offensive line play.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers OL Coach Ron Blackledge, 1982-1991”