Maxie Baughan, a College Football Hall of Famer from Georgia Tech and a nine-time Pro Bowler in the NFL, has passed away at the age of 85. Baughan, who spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, died of natural causes at his home in Ithaca, New York, surrounded by his family.
A stellar career at Georgia Tech
Baughan was born in Forkland, Alabama, and played for coach Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech as a linebacker and center. He was a two-time All-American and helped the Yellow Jackets win the 1956 Sugar Bowl and the 1959 Gator Bowl. He was also named the best center in the nation in 1959 by the Football Writers Association of America.
Baughan was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1965 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He is one of only four players in Georgia Tech history to have his jersey number (55) retired.
“Maxie is one of the most legendary figures in our program’s history and a shining example of what a Tech man is,” said Georgia Tech coach Brent Key in a statement released by the school. “We are heartbroken by his passing.”
A dominant force in the NFL
Baughan was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round, No. 20 overall, in 1960. He started as a rookie for the Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship team, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He was named to the Pro Bowl eight more times in his career, five with the Eagles and three with the Los Angeles Rams, whom he joined in 1966.
Baughan was known for his toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the field. He was a key member of the Eagles’ defense that shut out the Green Bay Packers in the 1960 NFL title game, 17-0. He also led the Rams’ defense that set an NFL record with 29 interceptions in 1967.
Baughan played for 15 seasons in the NFL, recording 18 interceptions and 21 fumble recoveries. He was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 in the seniors category last month.
“Maxie Baughan was a fierce and highly intelligent competitor, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in NFL history,” National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning said in a release. “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.”
A respected coach and mentor
After retiring as a player, Baughan became an assistant coach at Georgia Tech from 1972-73 before he spent one year as a player-coach with the Washington Redskins in 1974. He then coached in the NFL as an assistant with Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota and Tampa Bay before becoming Cornell’s head coach in 1984.
Baughan coached Cornell to the 1988 Ivy League co-championship, the school’s first since 1971. He also coached several future NFL players, including Ed Marinaro, Pete Gogolak, Seth Payne, and Chad Levitt.
Baughan retired from coaching in 1997 after leading Cornell to a 7-3 record. He was honored by Cornell with the naming of the Maxie Baughan Football Office Suite at Schoellkopf Hall.
“Maxie Baughan was a great coach and an even better person,” said Cornell athletic director Andy Noel. “He touched so many lives with his wisdom, kindness, and generosity. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
A legacy that will forever soar
The Eagles said Baughan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dianne, three children, Max, Mark and Matt, and eight grandchildren.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said Baughan was known for “playing a tough, hard-nosed style of football. Maxie’s induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015 solidified his legacy and recognized his contributions to the team.”
“Maxie was not only a great player but also a great ambassador for our organization,” Lurie said. “He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He was a beloved member of our Eagles family and we will always remember him.”
