IRVING, Texas (Aug. 20 2023) - Maxie Baughan, a 1988 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at Georgia Tech from 1957-59, passed away Aug. 19. He was 85.
"Maxie Baughan was a fierce and highly intelligent competitor, establishing himself as the best center in the nation in 1959," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "His passion for the game continued throughout his lifetime, and he mentored countless great players over the years, coaching both in college and the NFL. He became an integral part of our game, and we deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Born August 3, 1938 in Forkland, Alabama, Baughan attended Bessmer High School before enrolling at Georgia Tech. Playing towards the end of the one platoon era on teams for Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Dodd, he starred at both linebacker and center. In 1959, he produced a stellar season as the Georgia Tech team captain, leading the Yellowjackets to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the Gator Bowl where he claimed MVP honors. He set a Georgia Tech one-season record with 124 tackles. His on-field exploits landed him consensus First Team All-America honors at center and accolades as the Southeastern Conference Lineman of the Year.
Selected 20th overall in the 1960 NFL Draft by the Eagles, he played linebacker in Philadelphia from 1960-65; the Rams in Los Angeles from 1966-70 and in Washington during the 1974 season. He twice earned First Team All-Pro honors, landing Second Team honors another five times, and he was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls.
While still playing he transitioned to coaching as a player-coach in Washington. His coaching career included stints as an assistant with Washington, Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota, Tampa Bay in the NFL as well as at his alma mater.
He became head football coach at Cornell in 1984, and his 1988 team was co-champion of the Ivy League. It was Cornell's first championship since 1971. He likened Cornell to Georgia Tech: "A fine academic institution. I can remember at Georgia Tech going to classes six days a week. Getting out of a lab at 11 a.m. on a Saturday and suiting up for a game at 1 p.m." He graduated in Industrial Engineering.
He retired from coaching in 1998 after a final tour with the Baltimore Ravens.
Baughan was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1965, and the school later named him to its all-time football team. He has also been inducted into the Alabama Sports, Georgia Sports, Gator Bowl and Philadelphia Eagles halls of fame. The National Eagle Scout Association of the Boy Scouts of America honored him with their Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dianne; three children – Max (wife Jenn), Mark (wife Carolyn), Matt (wife Kelly); and eight grandchildren (Christopher, Connor, Charlie, Hunter, Hailey, Natalie, Cal, Heather).
"Maxie Baughan was a fierce and highly intelligent competitor, establishing himself as the best center in the nation in 1959," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "His passion for the game continued throughout his lifetime, and he mentored countless great players over the years, coaching both in college and the NFL. He became an integral part of our game, and we deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Born August 3, 1938 in Forkland, Alabama, Baughan attended Bessmer High School before enrolling at Georgia Tech. Playing towards the end of the one platoon era on teams for Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Dodd, he starred at both linebacker and center. In 1959, he produced a stellar season as the Georgia Tech team captain, leading the Yellowjackets to a 6-5 record and an appearance in the Gator Bowl where he claimed MVP honors. He set a Georgia Tech one-season record with 124 tackles. His on-field exploits landed him consensus First Team All-America honors at center and accolades as the Southeastern Conference Lineman of the Year.
Selected 20th overall in the 1960 NFL Draft by the Eagles, he played linebacker in Philadelphia from 1960-65; the Rams in Los Angeles from 1966-70 and in Washington during the 1974 season. He twice earned First Team All-Pro honors, landing Second Team honors another five times, and he was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls.
While still playing he transitioned to coaching as a player-coach in Washington. His coaching career included stints as an assistant with Washington, Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota, Tampa Bay in the NFL as well as at his alma mater.
He became head football coach at Cornell in 1984, and his 1988 team was co-champion of the Ivy League. It was Cornell's first championship since 1971. He likened Cornell to Georgia Tech: "A fine academic institution. I can remember at Georgia Tech going to classes six days a week. Getting out of a lab at 11 a.m. on a Saturday and suiting up for a game at 1 p.m." He graduated in Industrial Engineering.
He retired from coaching in 1998 after a final tour with the Baltimore Ravens.
Baughan was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1965, and the school later named him to its all-time football team. He has also been inducted into the Alabama Sports, Georgia Sports, Gator Bowl and Philadelphia Eagles halls of fame. The National Eagle Scout Association of the Boy Scouts of America honored him with their Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dianne; three children – Max (wife Jenn), Mark (wife Carolyn), Matt (wife Kelly); and eight grandchildren (Christopher, Connor, Charlie, Hunter, Hailey, Natalie, Cal, Heather).
