Steelers Throwback Thursday: The 1950s era

Coaching turnstile

The 1950s was a period that saw high turnover among the head coaching ranks – something the Steelers ended when they hired Chuck Noll. During the 1950 and 1951 seasons, John Michelosen succeeded the Jock Sutherland era. Joe Bach, who had coached the team from 1935-36 was given control once again in 1952; that was the season Pittsburgh (the last team to do so) gave up the single-wing formation on offense.

Walt Kiesling took over after Bach resigned in 1954 and it was his third stint as head coach with the Steelers. Hired in 1957, Buddy Parker finally brought a winning presence to the sidelines. He led the Steelers to a 7-4-1 record in 1958, giving the team its first winning campaign in nearly a decade

Several legendary players of the era

Despite the lack of overall team success, the Steelers roster featured several legendary players who anchored the franchise through the decade.

In 1950, the Steelers concluded the draft that – for the first time in their history – netted them four future Pro Bowl players. Lynn Chandnois (1st Round) earned the second-highest career kick return average in NFL history. George Hughes (3rd round) and Fran Rogel (8th round; retired as the Steelers’ all-time leading rusher) joined Ernie Stautner (2nd round). Stautner, an undisputed leader of the defense, became a Hall of Fame defensive tackle. The former combat marine played 14 tough seasons and became the first player in franchise history to have his number officially retired.

Jim Finks: A reliable quarterback who served as the team’s primary signal-caller for much of the early and mid-50s.

Jack Butler: An undrafted cornerback out of St. Bonaventure who emerged as a dominant, ball-hawking defensive back and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1950s.

Bobby Layne: Though he played for Detroit for much of the decade, Layne was traded to Pittsburgh in 1958. His famous clutch play at quarterback and leadership brought immediate respect and winning records to the franchise.

Dale Dodrill: A fierce and versatile linebacker who made four Pro Bowls during the 1950s.

Elbie Nickel: A reliable offensive threat at tight end throughout the 1950s who was a rare bright spot in the team’s passing game.

The seasons

• 1950: 6-6-0 (Coach: John Michelosen)
• 1951: 4-7-1 (Coach: John Michelosen)
• 1952: 5-7-0 (Coach: Joe Bach)
• 1953: 6-8-0 (Coach: Joe Bach)
• 1954: 5-7-0 (Coach: Walt Kiesling)
• 1955: 4-8-0 (Coach: Walt Kiesling)
• 1956: 5-7-0 (Coach: Walt Kiesling)
• 1957: 6-6-0 (Coach: Buddy Parker)
• 1958: 7-4-1 (Coach: Buddy Parker)
• 1959: 6-5-1 (Coach: Buddy Parker)

1958 winning season

In the franchise’s 26th season, Buddy Parker made a trade on October 6 that brought quarterback Bobby Layne to Pittsburgh, sending Earl Morral and two draft picks to the Detroit Lions. The move made a difference. The Steelers had lost their first two games and needed a spark.

In Week 3, the Steelers beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-3, at Pitt Stadium. Layne completed 10 of 20 passes for 81 yards. Pittsburgh, primarily a ground-and-pound team, earned their other scores via a 31-yard rushing touchdown from Tom Tracy. Tank Younger then scored on a one-yard run, followed up by a Tracy one-yard blast into the end zone. Tom Miner converted a 26-yard field goal.

In Week 6-10, the Steelers beat the Washington Redskins (24-16), Philadelphia Eagles (31-24), New York Giants (31-10), Chicago Cardinals (27-20), and Chicago Bears (24-10). They also won their season closing game, but finished third in the NFL Eastern conference.

Team leaders: Layne finished the season with 133 completions on 268 passing attempts for 2339 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tracy was the team leader in rushing with 714 yards and 5 touchdowns on 169 carries. Jimmy Orr lead the team in receptions with 910 yards on 33 catches with 7 touchdowns. Butler led the defense with 9 interceptions. This was an era before tackles and sacks became an official statistic, but defensive tackle Frank Varrichione was honored with a Pro Bowl appearance, as were Butler, Orr, Stautner, Tracy, and Layne.