PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Former Green Bay Coach Bengtson Dies

Phil Bengtson, former Green Bay Packer head coach and father figure to many of his players, has died after a long illness in San Diego. He was 81.

Bengtson, who died at his home Sunday, rose from Vince Lombardi’s assistant head coach and defensive coordinator to hold the top position in 1968-70.

As a head coach, Bengtson compiled a 20-21-1 record, with no playoff appearances.

His tough, stingy defenses are credited with helping the Packers to NFL championships in 1961, 1962 and 1965-67, including victories in the first two Super Bowls.

“Phil was a magnificent gentleman and a great human being,” said Hall of Famer and former Packer linebacker Ray Nitschke. “I truly loved the man.”

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Packer Coach Mike Holmgren said wide receiver Sterling Sharpe will play Saturday. . . . Despite a broken little finger on his left hand, quarterback Jeff George is expected to start Saturday for the Atlanta Falcons against the playoff hopeful Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, Buddy Ryan left open the question of whom he will start at quarterback. Jay Schroeder strained a ligament in his right knee on the third play of Sunday’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals but played the rest of the first half before giving way to Steve Beuerlein. Linebacker Wilber Marshall has a calf strain and won’t play. . . . New York Jet quarterback Boomer Esiason is questionable for Saturday’s game at Houston because of a concussion suffered Sunday against San Diego. Rookie Glenn Foley and backup Jack Trudeau will play if Esiason can’t. Houston Coach Jeff Fisher announced he will start Bucky Richardson at quarterback. . . . Indianapolis Colt Coach Ted Marchibroda said he might start Browning Nagle at quarterback Saturday against Buffalo. . . . Pittsburgh Steeler Pro Bowl cornerback Rod Woodson and tight end Eric Green are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Chargers because of knee injuries. “We won’t put anybody out there that we feel would be a risk of losing for the playoffs,” Coach Bill Cowher said. . . . Erik Williams was sentenced to two years’ probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor drunken driving charge in connection with a one-car accident Oct. 24 in which the Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman tore knee ligaments that ended his season.