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Arthur T. Haege (September 29, 1937 – March 5, 2007) was an American gridiron football player and coach. He played college football at St. Ambrose and later had short stints in the American Football League (AFL) with the Boston Patriots, the United Football League (UFL) with the Chicago Bulls, and the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. During his time in professional football, he began a coaching career. Haege later coached various teams at the high school, college, and professional arena football levels.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Haege was born on September 29, 1937, in Canton, Illinois.[1] One of four children (three sons, one daughter) born to Bob (a former player at Notre Dame, who was dismissed after one season) and Kathleen Haege, he liked football from a young age.[1] He grew up in Peoria, Illinois,[2] and attended Spaulding Institute there, where he was a starter on the baseball and football teams.[3] Haege played college football at St. Ambrose University, in Davenport, Iowa, from 1956 to 1959.[4] He was a four-year letterman[1] and played both offense and defense, as a tight end and defensive end.[3] He also played punter,[5] and was for two years the team's top receiver.[2] As a senior, Haege was named the school's athlete of the year[3] and was selected honorable mention Little All-America.[6] He later became, in 1993, the first person to be inducted into their athletic hall of fame.[7]

While at St. Ambrose, Haege also won a regional Golden Gloves tournament and played a season of semi-professional baseball with the Holland Dutchmen.[3]

Professional playing career

[edit]

Haege was signed by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960, but left during camp to resume studies at St. Ambrose.[8] He later rejoined the Patriots in 1961, and upon joining for the second time was changed from end to linebacker.[9] After playing in the 1961 preseason with Boston, he was released in late August.[10]

In July 1962, Haege was signed by the Chicago Bulls of the United Football League (UFL).[11] He scored one touchdown on the season, wearing number 66 while playing linebacker and punter.[4] In June 1963, Haege was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[12] He was released in mid-August,[13] after having appeared in just one game.[4] They were the final team of his playing career.[3] During his playing days, he weighed 248 pounds (112 kg) and was 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

In October 1961, after being released by the Patriots, Haege received his first coaching job at Gordon Tech High School as freshmen coach.[14] Following the 1962 season, he became a coach at St. Ignace High School, serving as an assistant in 1963, as well as junior varsity coach and basketball coach,[15] before being promoted to head coach in 1964.[3] In his first season as head, he led them to a 6–2 record[3] and the conference championship.[16] It was the first championship in school history.[2]

Haege left for Manistee High School in 1965 as head,[17] and led them to a 5–3 record, their first winning season in five years.[2][18] The following year, he enrolled at Northern Michigan University (NMU) to work on a master's degree in physical education.[19] He also became graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at the school.[1] In 1967, Haege became coach of both the Sheboygan Redwings (of the Central States Football League) and the football team at Two Rivers High School.[20] He also, according to The Des Moines Register, coached Sheboygan High School in 1967.[1] Haege led the Redwings to a record of 3–7,[21] and brought Two Rivers, which had not won more than two games in a season in the prior decade, to a mark of 7–1–1.[3]

The next year,[1] Haege left the Redwings, but stayed at Two Rivers, and led them to an 8–0 record and the conference championship,[3] which was their first unbeaten, untied season in more than two decades.[22] They were also ranked the third-best "big school" in the state at the end of the season (state playoffs did not yet exist).[3] Haege left to become offensive line coach at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1969.[15]

Wisconsin was on a 22 conference game losing streak when Haege joined, and had not won a game in several years.[3] Haege took the entire team to church prior to their game against Iowa on October 11, and when they played, they won 23–17 to end the losing streak.[3] Wisconsin won a total of three games in the 1969 season.[3] Late in the season, he was told his contract would not be renewed.[23] In January 1970, he was told he was offered a new contract; however, when he went to accept it, Haege was told the offer had been pulled.[23] When asked about it, his only comment was "Now I've really learned my lesson!"[23]

In May 1970, Haege accepted a position as head coach and athletic director at St. Francis High School in Traverse City, Michigan.[18] He led them to six wins, two losses, and a tie,[24] including a win over his former team, St. Ignace.[3] They were ranked the 16th-best team in the state in the final rankings.[24] He resigned after one season to become head coach at Virginia High School in Minnesota.[24]

Virginia had won one game[25] in three years prior to Haege's arrival, but went 4–4–1 in his first season.[3] On the day of their first game, at the team's pep rally, he guaranteed a win in front of the entire school.[3] Virginia ended up winning 22–12.[3] The following year, Haege led them to a 6–4 record; they had started 5–0 before an injury to their main quarterback.[3]

In April 1973, the Virginia school board, which Haege had caught the ire of, voted 4–2 to not renew his contract, stating that the reasons for firing him included: "(1) incorrect marking of grades on one occasion; (2) use of language considered not fitting a representative of Virginia High School; and (3) his classroom attendance."[26] The decision was a huge surprise to almost everyone, and caused the town to unite in opposition to the board.[26] Students protested by leaving the school en masse, the school athletic association met and protested, and numerous protest letters were received by the board.[26]

A protest letter sent by one of Haege's athletes said the following: "The year before Haege signed on, Virginia was 1–8 on the varsity level, 0–7–1 on 'B' level and 3–2 on the 'C' team level. They scored 47 points and gave up 171. In Haege's first year, they were 4–4–1, scored 183 points, gave up 139 and in the words of [Mesabi Daily News] sportswriter Mike Gill: 'the Blue Devils aren't a club overladen with outstanding natural talent, just a sound, disciplined, well trained and aggressive unit' ... It's a team you gotta like. A football team is a reflection of its coach. So, Coach Haege is a coach you have to like."[26]

The letter listed some of Haege's accomplishments in the city: "(1) forming up a pony league football program; (2) putting the [Virginia High School] Lettermen's Club back on its feet; (3) starting an early bird fitness program in the city; [and] (4) promoting high school athletes so they get notice and recognition from the college ranks."[26] It also stated that "many of the football players aren't going to put on their pads next fall unless Haege is back. By firing him, you are destroying all the hard work of not only the coach, but his players. It's a grave mistake."[26]

Both sides hired lawyers to negotiate, and eventually the Virginia school board decided they would be willing to rehire him.[27] Haege returned, and in 1973 led Virginia to an 8–1 record, the best in school history.[28] Their only loss was to Eveleth, the eventual state champions.[3] They went 8–1 again in 1974, as Haege was named the conference's coach of the year.[3][29] Virginia won five games in 1975, and only four in 1976, before Haege was again dismissed by the school board due to an ongoing feud.[3][30] Students again protested, writing on the city water tower "VHS Needs Haege," although this time he did not return.[3] In the following two years, during which Haege did not coach any team, Virginia won only one game.[25]

Haege was hired by Hibbing Community College as head coach in 1979.[25] They were able to compile a 5–4 record under Haege despite the football team not existing previously.[3] Included among their wins was a 7–3 upset over Mesabi Community College, which had a record of 7–0 by that point.[3] Hibbing's game-winning touchdown catch was scored by a player Haege had coached at Virginia, and afterwards Haege was carried off the field by his players.[3] He remained coach at Hibbing in 1980, before accepting a position at Biwabik High School.[1]

Subsequently Haege led Biwabik to a 5–4 record in his first season,[3] and after his second left for head job at Assumption High School.[1] In 1983, he helped Assumption win six games while losing three, reaching the state playoffs for the first time in a decade.[3] Assumption suffered from a lack of men in 1984, and only won two out of nine games.[31] Haege had to for a time coach all by himself, the freshman team had only 11 players, and the varsity team had just three experienced players for Haege to work with.[31]

Resigning after his second season at Assumption, Art Haege stated that "There are five or six basic things that are needed if a school is to have a sound athletic organization," while strongly implying that the school was in all areas lacking.[31] "You need, first of all, consistent support from the administration. Secondly, you need a strong youth program directly under the high school program, which you don't have here. You need quality, loyal assistants on your staff, you need loyal support from faculty and parents, and you need enough athletes. You also need an organized athletic program."[31]

Haege also stated that he was displeased with the actions of the fans, who he said were only interested in the number of wins the team had: "You've got people who stand up in the bleachers, frothing at the mouth, screaming at the kids and the coaches. I've just never run into anything like that."[31] He additionally said that at Assumption, for the first time during his coaching career, he began receiving attack letters from the fans.[31] Each of these things Haege said contributed to his decision to leave the school.[31]

Accepting a position as offensive coordinator at Vermilion Community College in 1985, Haege served in the position through 1987.[1] It was his 14th career coaching job.[32] In his second season, he helped them win the state championship for the first time in team history.[3] After three seasons at Vermilion, Haege became the linebackers coach at Drake, as well as the head coach of the Heathrow Jets in England,BAFA National Leagues.[1][33] He served in both the positions for only one season, and in England led his Jets team to an 10–0 record in the 1988 regular season to win the conference title. The Jets then lost in the premier league playoffs quarterfinals 54–34 to the London Capitals.[1][33]

Haege followed Drake coach Bill Charles to Westmar University in 1989 as defensive coordinator.[34] As Westmar was an National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program, this meant that Haege had now coached at every collegiate level that exists in football: NCAA Division I at Wisconsin; NCAA Division II at Northern Michigan; NCAA Division III at Drake; NAIA at Westmar; and NJCAA with Hibbing and Vermilion.[34] He was able to recruit two of his players from England to play for Westmar.[33] In 1990, he helped them win nine of ten games and have one of the top ten NAIA rushing defenses.[3] In 1991, he faced off against Peru State coach Lou Saban, who had signed Haege as a player with the Patriots back in 1960–1961 and who Haege described as "my inspiration, my measuring stick when it comes to the coaching profession."[35] He was relieved of his coaching duties following the 1991 season.[36]

Haege joined Saban in 1994 as defensive line coach[37] and defensive coordinator[3] for the Milwaukee Mustangs of the Arena Football League (AFL).[38] During the season, he accepted a position to become a line coach (sources disagree on offensive line versus defensive line)[1][39] for the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League (CFL), although he later decided against this and returned with Milwaukee.[39] Following the fourth game of the 1994 Arena Football League season, Haege was named interim head coach.[40] He served as head coach for the final eight games of the season, losing all of them.[41]

After the 1994 season, Haege was announced as the director of player personnel as well as the defensive coordinator and line coach of the newly formed Iowa Barnstormers.[3][42] He was the first coach to be hired by the franchise, and was the one who had to recruit players for their first season in 1995.[3] Among the players he recruited was Kurt Warner, who, after three seasons with the Barnstormers, went on to have a successful career in the National Football League (NFL) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[43] Following the 1995 season, Haege accepted a position as the head coach of the new Minnesota Fighting Pike.[44] However, he suffered a serious stroke in November 1995 and ended up resigning in January 1996, before having coached in any games.[45] He resigned partially because of the stroke and because, as he said, "I knew it just wouldn't work out ... I wanted my own full-time assistant coaches, who had played or coached in the league, knew the game. These guys didn't fit my approach. I'm more of a hell-bent, raise-hell kind of guy who is going to go after people. I'm not an intramural junior college guy. I'm going to go after things my way. I didn't want a bunch of weaklings. They had some real nice people as coaches, but I saw they just weren't my kind of folks."[45]

After resigning as coach of the Fighting Pike, Haege returned to the Barnstormers as director of player personnel and defensive coordinator.[46] He helped Iowa reach the ArenaBowl two consecutive years in 1996 and 1997.[3] Haege remained in the position through 2000, before being promoted to head coach at the end of that season.[47] The Barnstormers were demoted to AF2 in 2001, and that placed them in the same league and in a position to play the Quad City Steamwheelers, where Haege's son Frank coached.[48] The two Haeges had also played several times while assistants, with Art going 4–1 in those games.[48] The Barnstormers-Steamwheelers game was scheduled for week three, and by that point in the season, the elder Haege's team was 0–2 while the younger Haege's team was 2–0, and on an active 21-game win streak.[49][50][51] Although Art Haege predicted a victory for his team,[48] the Barnstormers ended up losing 45–7, making their record 0–3 to start the season.[52] After the sixth game of the season, by which point the Barnstormers were 2–4, Haege was fired due to the team's poor fan attendance and poor record.[53] He was afterwards invited to remain as director of player personnel, but dismissed the offer, being greatly upset with the firing.[54]

After the 2001 season ended, Haege became the defensive line coach and a Midwest scout for the New Jersey Gladiators, where Frank Haege (who had left the Steamwheelers) was head coach.[55] He spent the 2003 season out of coaching, but prior to the 2004 National Indoor Football League season was named head coach of the Sioux City Bandits.[56][57] Haege led the team to a 4–4 start, but was fired midseason by general manager Bob Scott, who was disappointed in the team's record.[58] Midseason in 2005, Haege became defensive coordinator of the Arkansas Twisters in AF2.[59] He remained in the position until his death in early 2007.[60]

Coaching style

[edit]

Haege was known for his very disciplined style of coaching, while having a sense of humor at the same time.[61] Several newspapers likened him to Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi.[20][62] In 1968, when asked about his coaching philosophy, Haege said, "We try to teach hitting football – rather, we demand it. We're hard on the kids both mentally and physically. We teach viciousness because that's the way the game was meant to be played ... Our indoctrination is hit, hit, hit. We want each and every kid to be an attacker; we want each one to want to succeed."[63]

Early in his coaching career, Haege often yelled at his players, being called a "terror on the sidelines and in practice," and after each loss, he made his players crawl from the locker room to the practice field, saying "if you played like a worm, you crawled like a worm."[1] Once, when a player asked to quit after being tired of Haege's "drill sergeant" approach to coaching, Haege replied, "That's fine – you can go right now. But first take off your uniform. You don't deserve to wear your school's colors."[1] The player took off his jersey, shoulder pads and T-shirt, but was then told that he could only leave if he took off his socks, shoes and pants as well, leaving the player to run in his underwear a full two city blocks back to the locker room.[1]

Despite his treatment of players, Haege was still well-liked among them and students.[61] A staff writer of the Green Bay Press-Gazette wrote that, "even though he pushed them almost mercilessly, berated them and challenged them, Haege is revered by his former players."[62] One of his former Two Rivers athletes said, "the style of coaching was pretty much of a shock to everybody. We thought we were being worked to death, but psychologically what [Haege] was doing was building us. We started playing as a team and the team camaraderie that was built back then exists today 35 years later."[62]

When asked what kind of person he wanted to coach, Haege stated he preferred the "feisty" kids, saying, "I want a kid with ribbons and stuff hanging all over his Letterman's jacket – I want him to have a little mustache and a toothpick hanging out of his mouth. And I want him to say, 'Coach, I wanna break some bones.'"[32]

Rather than stay at one school, Haege was known for moving from school to school as he enjoyed the challenge of making losing football teams winners.[61] For example, two years after leading Manistee High School to their first winning season in five years in 1965,[2] he became the coach of both the Sheboygan Redwings and Two Rivers High School, the former of which had gone winless the prior year and hadn't gone over .500 in five years, and the latter of which hadn't won more than two games per year in the prior decade.[3][20] He also resigned following a successful 1970 season at St. Francis High School to became coach at Virginia High School, which had won only a single game in the three previous seasons, and led them within four years to back-to-back 8–1 records.[3][25]

Haege wished to be known as "the coach who wouldn't be coached."[61] If he was hired to be head coach of a team, he considered it to be "his team"; Haege once kicked out of practice a school board member while asserting "this is my team."[61] "I've always been controversial because I've been outspoken," he once said in an interview with the Manitowoc Herald-Times.[25] "As a football coach, I think I should run the football program; not some school board member."[25] During his time coaching high schools and community colleges, Haege usually had only one or two assistants, and often served in addition to head coach as the offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinator as well as strength and conditioning coach.[61]

His son Frank said that he would "do just about anything to win and proved it just about anywhere he went."[1] Once, when his high school team was scheduled to play the team having the top offense in the state, he left a running water hose on the field all night long the day before the game.[64] The field was soaked, significantly hampering Haege's opponent, and his team won, 6–0.[64]

Haege did not allow discrimination of any type on his teams, once firing an assistant who had been mocking a gay person.[64] He went by the principle, "if you didn't behave like a pro, and play like a pro, coach Haege didn't want you on his team."[64]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Haege owned the End Zone Bar & Liquor Store in Virginia, Minnesota, for a time in the 1970s.[25] He met his first wife, Carol, at St. Ignace and had two sons with her, including Frank, who also became a football coach.[65] He later remarried to Josie, whom he met while at Drake, and had a further two sons with her, later divorcing.[65]

Haege died on March 5, 2007, at the age of 69, from a rupture within the wall of his aortic artery, while still a professional coach.[61][66] He had previously stated that he wished to continue coaching until turning 70.[32]

Head coaching record

[edit]

High school

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
St. Ignace Saints (Straits–Huron Conference) (1964)
1964 St. Ignace 6–2 ?–? 1st
St. Ignace: 6–2 ?–?
Manistee Chippewas (Unknown) (1965)
1965 Manistee 5–3 ?–? ?
Manistee: 5–3 ?–?
Two Rivers Purple Raiders (Mid-Eastern Conference) (1967–1968)
1967 Two Rivers 7–1–1 ?–? ?
1968 Two Rivers 8–0 6–0 1st
Two Rivers: 15–1–1 ?–?
St. Francis Gladiators (Michigan Huron Shores Conference) (1970)
1970 St. Francis 6–2–1 ?–? 3rd
St. Francis: 6–2–1 ?–?
Virginia Blue Devils (Iron Range Conference) (1971–1976)
1971 Virginia 4–4–1 ?–? ?
1972 Virginia 6–3 ?–? ?
1973 Virginia 8–1 ?–? ?
1974 Virginia 8–1 ?–? ?
1975 Virginia 5–4 ?–? ?
1976 Virginia 4–5 ?–? ?
Virginia: 35–18–1
Biwabik High School (Unknown) (1981)
1981 Biwabik 5–4 ?–? ?
Biwabik: 5–4 ?–?
Assumption Royals (Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference) (1983–1984)
1983 Assumption 6–3 ?–? ?
1984 Assumption 2–7 ?–? ?
Assumption: 8–10 ?–?
Total: ?–?
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Junior college

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Hibbing Cardinals (Unknown) (1979–1980)
1979 Hibbing 5–4 ?–? ?
Hibbing: 5–4 ?–?
Total: 5–4

Europe

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
Heathrow Jets BAFA National Leagues 1988 11 0 1.000 1st 1 1 .500 – Lost Quarterfinal to London Capitals
Total 11 0 1.000 1 1 .500

Arena

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
Sheboygan Redwings (CSFL) 1967 3 7 .300 Unknown 0 0 .000 –
Milwaukee Mustangs (AFL)* 1994 0 8 .000 6th in American Conference 0 0 .000 –
Iowa Barnstormers (AF2)§ 2001 2 4 .333 3rd in Midwest Division 0 0 .000 –
Sioux City Bandits (NIFL)§ 2004 4 4 .500 3rd in Northern Division 0 0 .000 –
Total 9 23 .281 0 0 .000

* indicates interim head coach position – § indicates Haege did not finish the season as head coach

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Art Haege

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from Grokipedia
Arthur T. "Art" Haege (September 29, 1937 – March 5, 2007) was an American gridiron football player and coach known for his brief professional playing career in the and , followed by an extensive coaching tenure across high school, college, and professional levels. Haege attended , where he played and was inducted into the institution's athletic hall of fame in 1990 for his contributions to the sport. After college, he entered professional football as a linebacker, signing with the Patriots of the AFL for the 1960 and 1961 seasons on offseason and rosters, followed by a stint with the in 1962 and the of the CFL in 1963, where he appeared in one game. Transitioning to coaching in the mid-1960s, Haege held positions at high schools including LaSalle High School and the St. Ignace Saints in Michigan, as well as roles such as graduate assistant at in 1966. His career extended into professional football, notably as defensive coordinator for the Iowa Barnstormers of the from 1995 to 2000, before he was named the head coach of the expansion Minnesota Fighting Pike ahead of their 1996 season but resigned in January 1996 due to a . Haege's son, Frank Haege, followed in his footsteps as a prominent football coach at the level.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

Arthur T. Haege, known as Art, was born on September 29, 1937, in Canton, Illinois. Haege grew up in the Peoria area and attended Spalding High School, from which he graduated.

College Years at St. Ambrose

Arthur T. Haege, from the Peoria, Illinois, area, enrolled at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, in 1956, where he balanced his academic studies with a prominent role on the football team. Over the course of four years, from 1956 to 1959, Haege earned varsity letters each season while pursuing his undergraduate education, culminating in a bachelor's degree upon his graduation in 1960. On the gridiron, Haege distinguished himself as a defensive and offensive end, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds during his playing days. As a four-year starter, he contributed significantly to the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees, showcasing versatility on both sides of the ball. His senior year in 1959 marked a pinnacle, earning him honorable mention recognition on the for small college players. In recognition of his overall athletic excellence during the 1959-1960 academic year, Haege was voted at , highlighting his emergence as a standout student-athlete. This accolade underscored not only his football prowess but also his dedication to balancing academics and athletics throughout his tenure. In 1990, Haege was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Playing Career

Collegiate Football

Arthur T. Haege played college football for the St. Ambrose Bees from 1956 to 1959, earning four varsity letters as a standout end on both offense and defense. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 235 pounds—a build honed during his high school years—Haege quickly became a key contributor to the team's defensive efforts, using his size and speed to disrupt opposing offenses. His versatility allowed him to excel in pass rushing and run stopping, making him a cornerstone of the Bees' line during an era when small-college football emphasized physical, two-way play. Over his four seasons, the St. Ambrose Bees compiled competitive records in the NAIA, reflecting Haege's impact on team performance. In 1956, his freshman year, the team achieved a 4–2 record with a of 0.667 and a point differential of +112, including victories over regional rivals like St. Benedict's (14–6) and St. Norbert (28–12). The 1957 season saw further success with a 0.750 and +119 point differential, highlighted by a 23–7 win over . However, the Bees struggled in later years, posting a 0.438 in 1958 (4–5) and 0.300 in 1959 (3–7), amid tougher competition and injuries. Haege's consistent play helped maintain defensive solidity, particularly in big games against conference foes, where his tackles and interceptions turned potential losses into hard-fought contests. As a senior in 1959, Haege's leadership and on-field prowess earned him honorable mention on the , a prestigious recognition for top small-college players selected by the . This accolade underscored his personal statistics, including strong tackling numbers and contributions to the team's rushing defense, which limited opponents to under 200 yards per game in several outings. His college career culminated in 1990 with induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring his role in elevating the program's reputation during the late .

Professional Leagues

Following his standout collegiate career at , where he earned accolades as an All-American , Art Haege transitioned to professional football, signing with the Boston Patriots of the (AFL) in 1960. He participated in preseason activities, including games, but did not appear in any regular-season contests during his time with the team, which extended into 1961 before his release in late August. Primarily utilized as a and occasional punter, Haege's AFL stint was limited by roster competition and his need to balance professional aspirations with completing his degree. In July 1962, Haege joined the of the United Football League (UFL), a minor professional circuit, where he played the full season as a and linebacker. During this period, he contributed offensively by scoring one , accounting for six points in the Bulls' campaign, though the team struggled overall in the league. His versatility extended to punting duties, drawing from his experience, but detailed individual statistics beyond the touchdown remain sparse due to the UFL's limited record-keeping. Haege's final professional appearance came in 1963 with the of the Canadian Football League (CFL), signing in June after tryouts. He played outside linebacker in one game, starting that contest, but saw no further action amid the team's depth at the position. Across his brief pro tenure spanning three leagues, Haege appeared in fewer than 10 total games, primarily on defense with minimal offensive impact beyond the single UFL touchdown. The brevity of Haege's professional career stemmed largely from a injury sustained during play, which curtailed his physical capabilities and prompted a shift toward . Team roster changes and the competitive nature of emerging leagues in the early also limited opportunities for players like Haege transitioning from smaller college programs.

Coaching Career

High School Positions

Haege began his high school head coaching career in , taking over at St. Ignace High School in 1964, where he guided the Saints to a 6–2 record in his lone season. The following year, he moved to Manistee High School as , leading the Chippewas to a 5–3 finish that marked an improvement for the program. After a stint as a at , Haege returned to in , serving as at Two Rivers High School from 1967 to 1968; his teams compiled an impressive 15–1–1 overall mark, including a conference championship in 1968 that highlighted his emphasis on disciplined execution and team unity. In 1970, Haege assumed the head coaching role at Traverse City St. Francis High School in , steering the Gladiators to a 6–2–1 record and a notable victory over his former St. Ignace squad, underscoring his ability to quickly instill competitive drive in new programs. He then relocated to , spending six seasons (1971–1976) as head coach at Virginia High School, where he transformed a struggling Blue Devils team into consistent winners with a 35–18–1 overall record across multiple seasons; for instance, the 1972 squad achieved a 6–3 mark, the 1973 team posted an 8–1 finish, and the 1975 edition finished 5–4. Later in his career, Haege coached at Biwabik High School in in 1981, posting a 5–4 record amid efforts to rebuild a small-school program. He concluded his high school head coaching tenure at Assumption High School in , from 1983 to 1984, where his teams finished 8–10 overall but demonstrated resilience against stronger opponents in the competitive Woodland Conference. Throughout these roles, Haege's immediate impacts often centered on fostering player development and tactical discipline, drawing from his playing experience to emphasize fundamentals over flashy schemes, which laid the groundwork for sustained program growth at each stop.

College and Junior College Roles

Haege began his higher education coaching tenure as a for the defensive backs at in 1966, marking his entry into the collegiate level after high school experience. In 1969, he served as offensive line coach at the University of Wisconsin under head coach John Coatta, contributing to player development during a season that ended with a 3–7 overall record. Haege took on a head coaching role at Hibbing Junior College from 1979 to 1980, where he focused on building foundational skills for young athletes transitioning to higher levels of competition. From 1985 to 1987, Haege served as at Vermilion Community College, contributing to a state championship in 1986. Later, in 1988, he coached the linebackers at , emphasizing defensive fundamentals and player preparation. From 1989 to 1991, Haege held the position of at Westmar College, assisting Bill Charles in implementing schemes that supported team defense and athlete growth in a small college setting.

Professional and International Assignments

Haege began his professional coaching career in 1967 as of the semi-professional Sheboygan Redwings of the Central States Football League. The team compiled a 2–9 overall record that season, including losses to opponents such as the Madison Mustangs and Manitowoc Chiefs. In 1987, Haege served as for the Heathrow Jets in the British American Football Association National Leagues, guiding the team through the European season. The Jets reached the playoffs as South East Conference runners-up but fell 28–8 to Bournemouth Bobcats in the semi-finals. Haege entered in 1994 as for the Milwaukee Mustangs of the . Following the firing of after four games, Haege was promoted to interim , finishing the season with an 0–8 overall record. From 1995 to 2000, Haege worked with the Barnstormers of the as , line coach, and director of player personnel. In this role, he contributed to roster building, including during the tenure of quarterback , who played for the team from 1995 to 1997 before advancing to the . In 2001, Haege was named of the Barnstormers for the early part of the season, posting a 2–4 record before the team transitioned to af2. In 2002, Haege served as defensive line coach and Midwest scout for the Gladiators of the . Haege returned to coaching in 2004 as midseason head coach for the Sioux City Bandits of the , taking over after four games and leading the team to a 4–4 mark under his tenure. From 2005 to 2006, Haege served as for the Arkansas Twisters of , working under head coach John Gregory until his death in early 2007.

Coaching Philosophy

Art Haege's coaching philosophy was rooted in three fundamental principles—discipline, a hard-nosed attitude, and mastery of basics—that he applied consistently across his extensive career spanning high school, , and levels. He believed these elements formed the foundation for success in football, enabling teams to execute effectively under pressure regardless of the competition's intensity. Haege emphasized building defenses that were aggressive and fundamentally sound, often serving as in settings like the Arena Football League's Barnstormers, where his schemes focused on tenacity and quick reactions to counter high-speed offenses. In terms of player development, Haege prioritized intrinsic growth, teaching athletes to draw motivation from within rather than external pressures, while instilling a commitment to fundamentals that translated to all positions, particularly on defense. He adapted this approach to varying contexts, stressing basic techniques and physicality at the high school and levels to build long-term skills, while incorporating faster tempo and strategic adjustments for the arena game's unique demands. His balanced strict with humor, creating strong player relationships based on and accountability, ensuring teams comprised "good guys" who valued over individual stardom. Haege's methods were influenced by his experiences as a player at , where he absorbed lessons in competitive play and resilience from his college coaches, shaping his early views on defensive preparation and team cohesion. Throughout his career, this philosophy contributed to a sustained emphasis on winning through preparation and character.

Personal Life

Family and Marriage

Art Haege first married Carol Ahlich on June 12, 1965, after meeting her in , where he coached . The couple had two sons, Dan and Frank Haege. Both sons pursued involvement in football; Dan contributed coaching tips and resources through online platforms, while Frank became a professional coach, serving as head football coach at and in leagues. Following his from Carol, Haege remarried Josie, with whom he had two additional sons, Michael and Matt. The navigated frequent relocations tied to Haege's career across high school, college, and professional levels, with his wives and children providing stability amid moves to places like ; ; and international assignments. Haege's family demonstrated strong ties to sports, as evidenced by the coaching paths of Dan and Frank, and the younger sons' early participation in school athletics during their father's tenure at institutions like Morningside College. This involvement extended to activities, where the Haege household often centered around football discussions and support for local teams.

Business and Community Involvement

In addition to his coaching career, Art Haege ventured into ownership in the 1970s, acquiring and operating the End Zone Bar & Liquor Store in , during a period when he resided in the region of the state. This establishment served as a local hub, reflecting Haege's integration into the small-town community amid gaps in his professional coaching schedule, including the unaccounted years of 1977 and 1978. Haege demonstrated community leadership in the towns where he lived and worked, particularly through involvement in local events and youth-oriented initiatives tied to his business and regional presence in northern . His ownership of the End Zone fostered connections with residents in and nearby areas like Hibbing, contributing to the social fabric of these mining communities during his time there in the late 1970s. Later in life, Haege maintained deep ties to communities, residing in Iowa Falls and engaging with local networks through his professional roles and personal life in the Des Moines area, where he passed away in 2007. These connections underscored his commitment to the regions that shaped his career and family, extending his influence beyond athletics into everyday civic life.

Death and Legacy

Final Years and Death

In the later stages of his coaching career, Art Haege served as for the Arkansas Twisters of the during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Under Billy Gregory, Haege contributed to the team's defensive strategies as they built toward improved performance in the minor professional circuit. Haege, who had returned to Iowa after years of coaching abroad and in various U.S. leagues, suffered a brain aneurysm in late February 2007 while at his home in Iowa Falls. He was hospitalized at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, where he passed away on March 5, 2007, at the age of 69. A memorial service for Haege was held on March 7, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. at Hamilton's Funeral Home in Des Moines. He was buried at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Haege was survived by his wife, Carol, and their two sons, Dan and Frank. Immediate tributes came from coaching peers and former colleagues, with the Arkansas Twisters' organization noting his recent contributions and hiring a replacement coordinator in his honor. Additionally, a remembrance from his time coaching at LaSalle High School in , highlighted his impact on young players during the early 1960s.

Honors and Impact

Art Haege was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, recognizing his contributions as a standout for the Fighting Bees in the late 1950s, where he earned All-Conference honors as a linebacker. Haege's coaching career profoundly influenced the development of both players and future coaches across multiple levels of football. He played a key role in the early career of quarterback , serving as and player personnel director for the Iowa Barnstormers in the during Warner's tenure from 1995 to 1997, helping to nurture the environment that propelled Warner to stardom. His son, Frank Haege, followed in his footsteps, becoming a prominent coach, including a long tenure as at , where he compiled a 57–93 record over 15 seasons and implemented defensive strategies influenced by his father's teachings. Throughout 39 seasons of coaching from high school to professional levels, Haege demonstrated adaptability. In 1988, he led the Heathrow Jets to an undefeated 10–0 season in the British American Football Association National League, showcasing his ability to build winning programs internationally. Haege's impact extended to , where he served as for the Minnesota Fighting Pike in 1996 and contributed to the growth of the sport through his defensive expertise with teams like the Barnstormers. At small-college programs such as Hibbing Community College and Westmar College, he emphasized disciplined, fundamentals-driven play that influenced coaching philosophies in and NAIA football.

Head Coaching Record

High School

Art Haege began his high school head coaching career in 1964 at St. Ignace High School (), following his professional playing career. Haege's high school head coaching records are presented in the table below, including year-by-year results, conference standings, and playoff outcomes where available. Playoff participation was not applicable in these seasons, as state playoffs in began in 1975 and in nine-man football playoffs were limited during this period. Note: Records for some stints (Two Rivers HS, 1968–1969; Biwabik HS, 1982) are unavailable from current sources.
YearSchoolRecordConference StandingPlayoffs
1964St. Ignace HS (MI)6–2Not availableNone
1965Manistee HS (MI)5–3Not availableNone
1968Two Rivers HS (WI)UnavailableNot availableNone
1969Two Rivers HS (WI)UnavailableNot availableNone
1971Virginia HS (MN)4–4–1Not availableNone
1973Virginia HS (MN)8–12nd (Iron Range Conference)None
1974Virginia HS (MN)8–1Not availableNone
1981Biwabik HS (MN)5–4Not availableNone
1982Biwabik HS (MN)UnavailableNot availableNone
Overall high school record (known seasons): 31–11–1

Junior College

Art Haege's tenure at the level was limited to two seasons at , where he served as head football coach from 1979 to 1980 following his high school coaching stints. The program was in its early stages, with the having been recently established, and Haege led it to a combined overall record of 5 wins and 4 losses across those years. No affiliation or postseason appearances are documented for this period, reflecting the developmental nature of the team at the time. Detailed year-by-year breakdowns are not widely available, but the following table summarizes the overall metrics for his junior college head coaching record:
Season RangeSchoolOverall W–L–TConference W–L–TPostseason
1979–1980Hibbing CC5–4–0N/ANone

European League

Art Haege's European coaching experience was limited to a single season in 1988, when he served as head coach for the Heathrow Jets in the British American Football Association (BAFA) National Leagues, the leading organization for American football in the United Kingdom during that era. The BAFA structured its competition around regional conferences, with teams competing in a regular season followed by playoffs culminating in a national championship, often held at iconic venues like Wembley Stadium. This hybrid professional-amateur league provided a unique platform for U.S.-style football in Europe, attracting expatriate players and local talent while adapting to international logistics and varying field conditions. Haege's tenure marked an adaptation of his American coaching strategies to this overseas environment, emphasizing disciplined play in a growing but resource-limited scene. Under Haege's leadership, the Heathrow Jets achieved an impressive undefeated 11–0 record in the within their conference, clinching the conference championship and advancing to the . Despite their dominant performance, the team fell short in postseason play with a loss, concluding Haege's European record at 11–1 overall for the year. This season highlighted the Jets' offensive and defensive prowess in a competitive field, though detailed league-wide metrics from 1988 remain sparse in historical records. Haege's brief stint contributed to the early internationalization of in , bridging U.S. coaching expertise with the burgeoning British scene.
SeasonTeamLeague/ConferenceRegular Season RecordPlayoff ResultOverall Record
1988Heathrow JetsBAFA National Leagues (South East Conference)11–0 (Conference Champions)Playoff Loss11–1

Arena Football

Art Haege had a varied career in arena and indoor football, serving as head coach for teams in the Arena Football League (AFL), its developmental league af2, and the National Indoor Football League (NIFL). He also held front-office roles, notably as director of player personnel for the Iowa Barnstormers from 1995 to 2000, during which the team did not record head coaching statistics under his name. His head coaching stints were marked by interim and midseason appointments, resulting in an overall record of 6–16 across 22 games.

Milwaukee Mustangs (AFL)

Haege served as interim head coach for the expansion Milwaukee Mustangs in 1994, taking over after four games amid a 0–4 start under . The team struggled offensively and defensively in the high-scoring AFL environment, finishing without a win.
YearTeamLeagueRegular SeasonPlayoffs
1994Milwaukee MustangsAFL0–8—

Iowa Barnstormers (af2)

In 2001, Haege was named head coach of the Iowa Barnstormers for their inaugural season in af2, the AFL's minor league. The team started slowly, securing only two wins in six games before Haege was relieved, with Earle Bruce taking over to lead them to the playoffs. This period highlighted challenges in transitioning from the AFL to the developmental league's roster and talent pool.
YearTeamLeagueRegular SeasonPlayoffs
2001Iowa Barnstormersaf22–4—

Sioux City Bandits (NIFL)

Haege joined the Sioux City Bandits midseason in 2004 as in the NIFL, a competitive emphasizing fast-paced play similar to . He coached eight games, achieving a balanced record before departing in May, after which the team finished 8–6 overall under interim leadership. His tenure provided stability during a transitional period for the franchise.
YearTeamLeagueRegular SeasonPlayoffs
2004Sioux City BanditsNIFL4–4—
Haege's combined head coaching record in arena and indoor football was 6–16 (.273 winning percentage), spanning the AFL, , and NIFL, with no playoff appearances.

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