Joe Walton, former TE Jets and Giants coach, dies at 85

Former Jets coach Joe Walton has died aged 85, Robert Morris University announced on Sunday.

Walton led the Jets from 1983 to 1989, posting a 53-57-1 record and leading the team to the playoffs twice. He is second all-time coaching wins in franchise history. Walton became the head coach of the Jets after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator for two years under Walt Michaels.

Walton replaced Michaels in 1983 and oversaw a powerful Jets attack with quarterback Ken O’Brien, wide receivers Wesley Walker and Al Toon, running back Freeman McNeil and tight end Mickey Shuler. This group helped the Jets go 11-5 in 1985 and 10-6 in 1986, qualifying for the playoffs both years.

The Jets faded away after that and Walton became unpopular with the fan base, which led to “Joe Must Go” chants at Giants Stadium when his tenure ended. Walton was fired after a 4-12 season in 1989.

Walton, who was born in Beaver Falls, Pa., Returned to his home region as the Steelers offensive coordinator in 1990-91 before starting a football program at Robert Morris, where he was head coach of 1994 to 2013. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2013 and the football stadium was named in his honor.

Walton was an All-American at Pitt in 1955 and 1956 as a forked end before playing in the NFL from 1957 to 1964. He was a second round pick for Washington and played for them (1957-60) and the Giants (1961-64). He had 178 catches, 2,628 yards and 28 touchdowns.

When he finished playing, Walton became the Giants’ scout and wide receivers coach before becoming the running backs coach with Washington in 1974. He became the offensive coordinator there, overseeing the development of quarterback Joe Theismann. before joining Michaels staff in 1981.