George Perles

George J. Perles

MSU Football Player (1954 – 1956)
MSU Football Coach (1983 – 1994)

MSU Athletic Director (1990 - 1992)

George Perles was born in Detroit, Michigan and attended Western High School. After graduation, Perles enlisted in the U.S. Army and after completing active duty enrolled at Michigan State, playing football under the legendary Duffy Daugherty. His playing career was cut short due to a knee injury and he turned to coaching, first as a graduate assistant then at the high school level and finally back to Michigan State as the defensive line coach. He joined the staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers as defensive line coach and was instrumental in helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls in a six-year period. In 1983, he returned to Michigan State as the head coach and stayed for the next twelve seasons, winning two Big Ten championships and appearing in seven Bowl games. After his coaching career ended, Perles help found the Motor City Bowl and currently serves as a member of the Michigan State Board of Trustees. George Perles was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He passed away on January 7, 2020 at 85 years of age.