John F. Wiley
 Wiley on a 1948 Bowman football card | |
| Sport(s) | Football |
|---|---|
| Biographical details | |
| Born |
April 18, 1920 Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania |
| Died |
March 25, 2013 (aged 92) Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Playing career | |
| 1946–1950 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Position(s) | Tackle |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1951–1954 | Waynesburg |
| 1955–1961 | Pittsburgh (line) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 22–9–1 (.703) |
John Franklin "Smiling Jack" Wiley (April 18, 1920 – March 25, 2013) was an American football player and coach.
Playing career
Wiley played tackle for Waynesburg College and appeared in the first televised game in U.S. history against Fordham at Randalls Island, New York. He took a break from football as he served in the Army during World War II, rising to the rank of captain.
After World War II, Wiley played for the Steelers and coaches Jock Sutherland and John Michelosen from 1946–50, and he was remembered by team chairman Dan Rooney as contributing to one of the team's most successful pre-Super Bowl periods.[1]
Coaching career
Wiley was the head football coach for the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. He held that position for 4 seasons, from 1951 until 1954.[2] His coaching record at Waynesburg was 22 wins, 9 losses and 1 tie.As of the conclusion of the 2010 season, this ranks him #8 at Waynesburg in total wins and #4 at the school in winning percentage (.703).[3]
Wiley left Waynesburg to become an assistant at Pitt, where he is credited with recruiting Mike Ditka and Marty Schottenheimer. He left coaching in 1961 to become a salesman and later regional manager for the L.G. Balfour Jewelry & Taylor Publishing Company.[4]
References
- ↑ DiPaola, Jerry. "Pittsburgh Tribune Review". Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ↑ Shafer, Ian. "Waynesburg University (All seasons results)". College Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
- ↑ "Waynesberg College Football Media Guide". Sidearm DMG. p. 79. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
- ↑ DiPaola, Jerry. "Pittsburgh Tribune Review". Retrieved March 26, 2013.