Maxie Baughan, College Football Hall of Famer and nine-time Pro Bowler in the NFL, has passed away at the age of 85. Baughan, who played for Georgia Tech and the Philadelphia Eagles, died of natural causes at his home in Ithaca, New York. His death was confirmed by the Eagles, who stated that he was surrounded by his family at the time.
Baughan, a native of Forkland, Alabama, had an illustrious career both in college and the NFL. He played for coach Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech as a linebacker and center before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960. As a rookie, Baughan started for the Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship team and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
In addition to his time with the Eagles, Baughan also played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1970. After retiring as a player, he served as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech in 1972 and 1973. Baughan then spent one year as a player-coach with the Washington Commanders in 1974.
Following his coaching stint in Washington, Baughan continued his coaching career in the NFL. He served as an assistant coach for teams such as Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay. In 1984, Baughan became the head coach at Cornell University. Under his leadership, Cornell won the Ivy League co-championship in 1988, marking the school’s first title since 1971.
Baughan’s contributions to the sport were recognized when he was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 in the seniors category. Archie Manning, National Football Foundation Chairman, praised Baughan’s skills and passion for the game in a statement, expressing deep sadness at his passing.
Throughout his career, Baughan received several honors and accolades. He was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1965 and the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015. His impact on the game was evident, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key expressed his condolences, describing Baughan as a legendary figure in the program’s history. The school mourns his passing and remembers him as a true embodiment of what it means to be a Tech man.
Baughan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dianne, three children, Max, Mark, and Matt, and eight grandchildren. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie paid tribute to Baughan, highlighting his tough and hard-nosed style of football. Lurie emphasized that Baughan’s induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame solidified his legacy and recognized his significant contributions to the team.
The passing of Maxie Baughan is a loss for the football community. His talent, dedication, and impact on the game will forever be remembered. As the football world mourns his loss, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.