Earl Franklin Leggett

Earl Franklin Leggett (March 5, 1933 – May 15, 2008) was an American professional football defensive lineman and longtime coach in the National Football League (NFL). He played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and New Orleans Saints. Leggett played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) before embarking on a 25-year NFL coaching career.

As an assistant coach, Leggett helped build some of the most dominant defensive lines of the 1980s, particularly with the Los Angeles Raiders. His units contributed to multiple Super Bowl championship teams and were widely recognized for their physical, aggressive style of play. Over the course of his coaching career, he mentored two Pro Football Hall of Fame players and numerous All-Pro defensive linemen, cementing his reputation as one of the premier defensive line coaches of his era.

Early Life and High School Career

A native of Florida, Leggett attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville (1949–1951) before moving to Mississippi, where he attended Hinds High School in Raymond (1951–1952). He earned All-City Tackle honors and was selected to play in the Florida All-Star Game.

College Career

  Leggett began his collegiate career at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, enrolling at just 16 years old. Playing under legendary head coach Joe Renfro, he helped lead Hinds to an outstanding 18-0-1 overall record. The run included a perfect 9-0 season in 1954, culminating in a national championship and a victory in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.  

In recognition of his achievements, Leggett was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1996.

He later transferred to Louisiana State University (1955–1956), where he quickly established himself as one of the premier linemen in the conference under head coach Paul Dietzel. In 1955, his first season at LSU, Leggett earned First Team All-Southeastern Conference honors at tackle and received preseason All-America recognition.

Following his standout collegiate career, he was selected to play in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game and participated in an All-American game that matched college stars against the defending NFL champions, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s top linemen.

Professional Playing Career

Leggett was selected in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. His NFL career spanned from 1957 to 1968, during which he appeared in 132 games.

Chicago Bears (1957–1965)

With the Chicago Bears, Leggett played both defensive tackle and defensive end under head coach George Halas. He was a key member of the famed “Monsters of the Midway” defense that powered the Bears to the 1963 NFL Championship, capturing both the NFL Western Conference title and the league championship that season.

Leggett lined up alongside future Hall of Famers Doug Atkins, Bill George, and Stan Jones on one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The unit was coordinated by future Hall of Fame coach George Allen, whose aggressive and disciplined scheme helped define an era of Bears defensive excellence.

Los Angeles Rams (1966)

After walking out of training camp with the Chicago Bears due to a contract dispute, Leggett was traded in 1966 to the Los Angeles Rams by newly appointed head coach George Allen, the former Bears defensive coordinator.

Leggett appeared in 10 regular-season games for the Rams, joining the club’s celebrated “Fearsome Foursome” defensive front. He provided veteran depth on the line, backing up Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and Roosevelt Grier during his stint in Los Angeles.

New Orleans Saints (1967–1968)

Finishing his playing career back home in Louisiana, Leggett concluded his NFL tenure with the expansion New Orleans Saints, appearing in 20 games during the 1967 and 1968 seasons under head coach Tom Fears. As one of the club’s veteran defensive linemen, he provided steady leadership and experience to the young franchise in its formative years.

Twenty-five years later, the Leggett family’s connection to the Saints continued when his son, Brad Leggett, played for New Orleans—becoming the first father-and-son duo in franchise history to wear a Saints uniform.

Honors and Recognition

Leggett was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including:

He also served on the Hinds Community College Foundation Board and founded the Hinds Athletic Alumni Chapter, serving as its president until his death.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Leggett transitioned quickly into coaching, beginning a long and influential career specializing in defensive line play. Over three decades, he became widely respected as one of the NFL’s premier defensive line technicians, known for his demanding style, attention to detail, and ability to develop elite talent.

Early Coaching Career (1970–1976)

Leggett began building his coaching résumé at the collegiate and professional levels:

  • Head Football Coach, Hinds Junior College (1970–1971)

  • Defensive Line/Linebacker Coach, Nicholls State University (1971–1972)

  • Defensive Line Coach, Texas Christian University (1972–1974)

  • Defensive Coordinator, Southern California Sun of the World Football League (1974–1976)

These formative years established Leggett’s reputation as a disciplined and highly effective instructor of defensive front mechanics, particularly hand placement, leverage, and pass-rush fundamentals.

National Football League

Seattle Seahawks (1976–1977)

Defensive Line Coach

Leggett joined the expansion Seattle Seahawks for their inaugural 1976 season under head coach Jack Patera. Tasked with developing a defensive identity for a brand-new franchise, he laid the groundwork for the team’s defensive front through disciplined technique and structured fundamentals.

San Francisco 49ers (1978)

Defensive Line Coach

In 1978, Leggett coached the defensive line for the San Francisco 49ers under head coach Pete McCulley and later interim head coach Fred O'Connor.

After the 1978 season, he briefly stepped away from the NFL in 1979 to coach his son’s (Brad) PGFL football team in Pleasanton, California, where he earned Coach of the Year honors.

Oakland Raiders (1980–1981)

Defensive Line Coach

Leggett joined the Oakland Raiders in 1980 under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Flores, whose leadership set the tone for a decade of dominant defensive football in Oakland. He helped build a powerful defensive front featuring standout players who became the backbone of the team’s success.

That season, the Raiders captured victory in Super Bowl XV, making history as the first Wild Card team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. Leggett’s defensive line played a pivotal role throughout the championship run, anchoring a unit that defined the Raiders’ physical and relentless identity.

Some of the players Earl coached with the Oakland Raiders: 

Dave Browning – A dependable and physical defensive lineman, Browning provided interior strength and depth along the Raiders’ front. Known for his toughness and consistency, he played a key supporting role in maintaining the unit’s aggressive style during the early 1980s.

Cedrick Hardman – One of the premier pass rushers of his era, Hardman was a powerful defensive end with speed off the edge. A multi-time Pro Bowl selection, he was instrumental in applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks and was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ dominant defensive front.

Willie Jones – Jones brought size and strength to the interior defensive line. His ability to occupy blockers and control the line of scrimmage helped free up linebackers and edge rushers to make plays, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the defense.

Reggie Kinlaw – A quick and athletic defensive tackle, Kinlaw was known for his ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt running plays. His agility and motor made him a valuable contributor during the Raiders’ championship seasons.

John Matuszak – Nicknamed “Tooz,” Matuszak combined size, strength, and personality into a formidable presence on the defensive line. A first overall draft pick, he became a key part of the Raiders’ pass rush and run defense, playing an important role in their Super Bowl championship teams.

Los Angeles Raiders (1982–1988)

Defensive Line Coach

Leggett remained with the organization following its relocation to Los Angeles, where the move helped usher in one of the most dominant defensive fronts in NFL history. The transition to Southern California marked the beginning of a new era of physical, attacking football that defined the Raiders throughout the 1980s.

The Raiders’ defensive dominance culminated in a championship victory in Super Bowl XVIII, solidifying their reputation as one of the league’s most feared units.

Some of the standout players Earl coached with the Oakland Raiders / Los Angeles Raiders during this era included:

  • Howie Long – A Hall of Fame defensive end known for his relentless motor, strength, and leadership along the line.

  • Lyle Alzado – A fiery and intense competitor whose power and aggression made him a disruptive force.

  • Greg Townsend – One of the franchise’s all-time sack leaders, recognized for his quickness and consistency off the edge.

  • Bill Pickel – A strong interior presence who helped anchor the defensive front with toughness and discipline.

  • Sean Jones – A versatile defensive lineman who contributed size, strength, and stability to the rotation.

Together, this group formed the backbone of a defense that set the standard for dominance during the decade.

Notably, Howie Long selected Leggett to present him at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2000 — the first Raider inducted without the late Al Davis serving as presenter — reflecting their close personal and professional bond.

Denver Broncos (1989–1990)

Defensive Line Coach

Leggett later coached the defensive front for the Denver Broncos under head coach Dan Reeves. During his tenure, the Broncos advanced to Super Bowl XXIV following the 1989 season, marking another Super Bowl appearance for a defensive line unit under his guidance.

Among the standout players he coached in Denver was Greg Kragen, an All-Pro nose tackle known for his strength, leverage, and ability to control the interior of the defensive line. Kragen’s presence anchored the Broncos’ front, helping solidify a defense that powered the team’s run to the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl berth.

Los Angeles Raiders (1991–1992)

Defensive Line Coach

  Leggett later returned to the Los Angeles Raiders organization, where he continued to develop defensive talent and uphold the franchise’s long-standing tradition of dominant line play. He served under Hall of Fame head coach Art Shell, further reinforcing the Raiders’ identity as a team built on physical, aggressive defense in the trenches.   

New York Giants (1993–1997)

Defensive Line Coach

  He later reunited with head coach Dan Reeves in New York, joining the New York Giants coaching staff. There, he worked with standout defensive linemen including Erik Howard and Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, continuing his long track record of developing elite talent along the defensive front.  

Michael Strahan later thanked Leggett during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech, crediting him as a key developmental influence.

Washington Redskins (1997–2000)

Defensive Line Coach

  Leggett concluded his NFL coaching career in Washington with the Washington Redskins, serving under head coach Norv Turner. There, he continued to mentor young defensive linemen and further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive line instructors, known for developing disciplined, physical play in the trenches.  

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Coaching Legacy

Leggett was widely regarded as a master technician, specializing in hand placement, leverage control, pass-rush sequencing, and gap discipline. His teaching was precise, demanding, and detail-driven, and players consistently credited him with extending and elevating their careers through disciplined fundamentals and relentless accountability.

Across his combined playing and coaching career, Leggett was part of three NFL championship teams and helped develop numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive linemen. His influence — particularly in modern defensive line technique — remains evident in coaching methods used throughout professional football today.

Among those he mentored were Hall of Fame defensive ends Howie Long and Michael Strahan, both of whom have publicly credited Leggett for playing a significant role in their NFL success. They have frequently spoken about his impact in interviews, including appearances on the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show, reflecting the lasting respect they continue to hold for their longtime mentor.

Personal Life and Legacy

Leggett passed away on May 15, 2008, at the age of 75 in Raymond, Mississippi. At a memorial service on the Raymond campus, Hall of Famer Howie Long recalled Leggett’s promise: “If you do what I tell you to, work as hard as you can, I’ll make you a household name in every house in America.”

Renowned for his commanding presence, technical expertise, and leadership, Leggett left a lasting legacy as both a player and a coach. His influence on defensive line play continues to be felt across professional football and is frequently mentioned by former players, including Howie Long and Michael Strahan, in interviews and on the Fox NFL Sunday.

After retiring from coaching, Leggett and his wife Bobbie returned to Raymond, Mississippi, which they considered home. Together they raised their children Earl Jr., Dana, Celi, and Brad Leggett, continuing the family’s deep ties to the community.