Defensive coordinator Hank Bullough looks at a play diagrammed on the chalkboard with head coach Duffy Daugherty. (MSU Athletic Communications)
—At the age of 85, Michigan State football legend Henry “Hank” Bullough has died. Bullough was the first in a long line of future Bullough’s that would eventually don the green and white as a football player.
In his time at Michigan State, Bullough played on the offensive line as a guard, including his last season where he started on the 1954 Rose Bowl winning squad. After defeating UCLA in the Rose Bowl, Bullough entered the draft and the Green Bay Packers drafted him in the 5th round.
After his playing days were over, the three-year letterman began his coaching career back in East Lansing as an assistant coach for 12 years. Then, Bullough joined the then Baltimore Colts as a linebacker's coach. After, Bullough became the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and was dubbed the nickname “Doctor of Defense”. Before ending his coaching career, Bullough took over as head coach of the Buffalo Bills for the final 12 games of that season, and nine of the next season before being replaced.
Henry Bullough was the first in a long line of future Bullough’s that would participate in Spartans athletics. His two sons Shane (1983-1986) and Chuck Bullough (1988-1991) both played linebacker for the Spartans. Chuck is currently the defensive ends coach for the Spartans.
Recently, three more Bullough’s continued the family tradition as Hank’s grandsons Max (2010-2013), Riley (2013-2016), and Byron (2015-2018) all played for Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans. In addition, one of Henry’s granddaughter's Chloe is currently a freshman of the women’s cross country team.
Mark Dantonio issued the following statement:
In 2013, Henry Bullough was inducted into the Michigan State Athletics hall of fame for his illustrious achievements.
The Spartan faithful and football fans across the world pitched in their condolences to the Bullough family.
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