16 Facts About George Perles

1.

George Julius Perles was an American football player and coach.

2.

George Perles was a defensive line coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972 to 1982 and the head football coach at Michigan State University from 1983 to 1994.

3.

George Perles retired from his position on the board November 29,2018, citing health reasons and wanting to spend time with family.

4.

George Perles grew up in Detroit and attended Western High School.

5.

George Perles played the 1958 season before his playing career was cut short by a knee injury.

6.

George Perles then started his football coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State before moving on to the high school ranks in Chicago and Detroit, where his St Ambrose High School team won their first Detroit City League Championship in 1961.

7.

George Perles returned to Michigan State as defensive line coach under his mentor, Daugherty.

8.

George Perles became the defensive coordinator for the Steelers in 1978 and then assistant head coach under Noll in 1979.

9.

In 1982, George Perles was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia Stars of the fledgling United States Football League.

10.

George Perles worked for one year with the Stars during the development and formation of the league and the team, but broke his contract with the team prior to the start of the first season when he was offered the Michigan State head football coaching position.

11.

George Perles returned to Michigan State University on December 3,1982.

12.

In January, 1990, George Perles became Michigan State's athletic director while remaining head football coach.

13.

In November 2006, George Perles was elected as a Democrat to the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University.

14.

George Perles began serving an eight-year term on January 1,2007.

15.

In November 2014, George Perles was re-elected to the board of trustees of Michigan State University.

16.

George Perles announced his resignation effectively immediately on November 29,2018, citing health concerns.