On April 4, the National Football League (NFL) lost an influential figure who, for decades, enriched the foundation of this competitive sport.
Larry Beightol, a seasoned offensive line (OL) coach, passed away at the age of 81 in Fayetteville, Ark.
Former NFL OL coach Larry Beightol dies at 81. https://t.co/8uSXo6KjbB
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 6, 2024
His demise was due to heart failure compounded by dementia and diabetes, as reported in his obituary.
Beightol set his foot in the NFL in 1985 as the OL coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
His coaching prowess was not just limited to this team; over the years, he lent his experience and expertise to franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the San Diego Chargers, and the New York Jets.
During his stint with the Chargers in 1989, Beightol served as the offensive coordinator.
Beightol moved on to coach the Houston Oilers in 1995, continuing his journey with the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 1998.
His longest service was with the Green Bay Packers from 1999 to 2005. He ended his career in 2006 with the Detroit Lions.
Beightol’s coaching finesse is mirrored in his roster of mentees, four of which are future Packers Hall of Fame linemen, including Frank Winters, Marco Rivera, Chad Clifton, and Mark Tauscher.
Born in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, Beightol’s affinity for the sport began at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C, where he played football.
He went on to receive a master’s degree from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.
Even in his short tenure as the head coach at Louisiana Tech in 1979, Beightol managed to steer the team through the season, clocking in a 2-8 record.
In totality, Beightol dedicated 22 glorious years coaching offensive linemen. His decorated coaching career extended across eight NFL teams and has left an indelible mark on the field of professional football.
