Steelers (2007) (2 Viewers)

[Black&Gold]

I could live with Wiz or Grimm. Although, I'm really liking Ferentz. I think if they go outside the organization, they go Ferentz. I think the Rooney's want a guy who will be around another 15 years. Will Wiz? I doubt Grimm would. The Steelers HC is Ferentz's dream job. Grew up in the 'Burgh.

 

[zeus]

I could live with Wiz or Grimm. Although, I'm really liking Ferentz. I think if they go outside the organization, they go Ferentz. I think the Rooney's want a guy who will be around another 15 years. Will Wiz? I doubt Grimm would. The Steelers HC is Ferentz's dream job. Grew up in the 'Burgh.

Grimm grew up 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh and went to Southmoreland HIgh School which recently named their new stadium after him. His family still lives in Scotdale and he went to college at the University of Pittsburgh. You don't think that he wants this job?

 

[Black&Gold]

I could live with Wiz or Grimm. Although, I'm really liking Ferentz. I think if they go outside the organization, they go Ferentz. I think the Rooney's want a guy who will be around another 15 years. Will Wiz? I doubt Grimm would. The Steelers HC is Ferentz's dream job. Grew up in the 'Burgh.

Grimm grew up 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh and went to Southmoreland HIgh School which recently named their new stadium after him. His family still lives in Scotdale and he went to college at the University of Pittsburgh. You don't think that he wants this job?

I didn't say he didn't want the job. I could just see him wanting another more. You do have a point though. I think I'd rather have Grimm than Wiz. Wiz knew how to use Randle El, but I haven't been that impressed other than that. He's good but.........I'd just like to see a fresh face.

 

[Godsbrother]

I didn't say he didn't want the job. I could just see him wanting another more. You do have a point though. I think I'd rather have Grimm than Wiz. Wiz knew how to use Randle El, but I haven't been that impressed other than that. He's good but.........I'd just like to see a fresh face.

Whiz went into the 2004 season with a veteran QB, lost him in game 2, revamped his playbook for a rookie and went 15-1. In season two he won the Super Bowl despite injuries to all three QBs. I'd say he's been VERY impressive.

 

[Black&Gold]

I didn't say he didn't want the job. I could just see him wanting another more. You do have a point though. I think I'd rather have Grimm than Wiz. Wiz knew how to use Randle El, but I haven't been that impressed other than that. He's good but.........I'd just like to see a fresh face.

Whiz went into the 2004 season with a veteran QB, lost him in game 2, revamped his playbook for a rookie and went 15-1. In season two he won the Super Bowl despite injuries to all three QBs. I'd say he's been VERY impressive.

A lot of things went right for the Steelers last season. Wiz deserves some of the credit. I just have some problems with the play calling. Why isn't Miller used more in the passing game? I know, we need blockers. Where did Wiz coach before he got the Steeelrs gig? Doesn't seem like he has much of a track record. Wiz will probably get it, but Ferentz intrigues me. How long will LeBeau be around? Defense wins championships. Should be fun to see who gets it. I trust the Rooney and they know a lot more than me about this so.....Go Steelers!!!

 

[Godsbrother]

A lot of things went right for the Steelers last season. Wiz deserves some of the credit. I just have some problems with the play calling. Why isn't Miller used more in the passing game? I know, we need blockers. Where did Wiz coach before he got the Steeelrs gig? Doesn't seem like he has much of a track record. Wiz will probably get it, but Ferentz intrigues me. How long will LeBeau be around? Defense wins championships. Should be fun to see who gets it. I trust the Rooney and they know a lot more than me about this so.....Go Steelers!!!

Coaches get criticized for play calling all of the time, that will happen regardless of who is calling the plays. I would like to see Miller get the ball more too but you don't know how many plays were called where Miller was the target but was covered, or Ben went somewhere else, the play broke down, etc. And as you mentioned Miller was kept in to block a lot which happens when your QB is getting sacked 46 times.Whiz has as good or better track record than any of the other candidates. Ferentz may be intriguing but at this point he has not been mentioned by the Rooneys as a candidate and we're not sure he would be even interested in the job. I am not sure what you mean about how long LeBeau will be around and defense wins championships -- Ferentz is a former O-line coach.I do agree with you that the Rooneys will choose the best guy for the job. I really don't think it will be Ron Rivera or Mile Tomlin though. They both run 4-3 defenses which is a bad fit for the Steelers personnel-wise and they would also be bringing a new offensive coordinator that would likely bring in a different system and new terminology for a young offense to learn. So you have disruptions on both sides of the ball.Hire Whiz and he'll bring in an OC that is going to keep his system and he also keeps LeBeau as DC so no disruptions there. It makes the most sense.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

A lot of things went right for the Steelers last season. Wiz deserves some of the credit. I just have some problems with the play calling. Why isn't Miller used more in the passing game? I know, we need blockers. Where did Wiz coach before he got the Steeelrs gig? Doesn't seem like he has much of a track record. Wiz will probably get it, but Ferentz intrigues me. How long will LeBeau be around? Defense wins championships. Should be fun to see who gets it. I trust the Rooney and they know a lot more than me about this so.....Go Steelers!!!

Coaches get criticized for play calling all of the time, that will happen regardless of who is calling the plays. I would like to see Miller get the ball more too but you don't know how many plays were called where Miller was the target but was covered, or Ben went somewhere else, the play broke down, etc. And as you mentioned Miller was kept in to block a lot which happens when your QB is getting sacked 46 times.Whiz has as good or better track record than any of the other candidates. Ferentz may be intriguing but at this point he has not been mentioned by the Rooneys as a candidate and we're not sure he would be even interested in the job. I am not sure what you mean about how long LeBeau will be around and defense wins championships -- Ferentz is a former O-line coach.I do agree with you that the Rooneys will choose the best guy for the job. I really don't think it will be Ron Rivera or Mile Tomlin though. They both run 4-3 defenses which is a bad fit for the Steelers personnel-wise and they would also be bringing a new offensive coordinator that would likely bring in a different system and new terminology for a young offense to learn. So you have disruptions on both sides of the ball.Hire Whiz and he'll bring in an OC that is going to keep his system and he also keeps LeBeau as DC so no disruptions there. It makes the most sense.

It's between Grimm and Whisenhunt, everything else is a formality, IMO. To be honest, I don't know who I'd rather have. All along, I've been with GB saying I think Whisenhunt has already been told the job is his, but lately I've had an odd feeling that Grimm will be the guy. Perhaps the interview process will decide it.Bottom line - Steelers are going to hire whichever of those two guys they feel possesses the fire, authority, and ability to command the team, long-haul. Both have been terrific assistants, but we just don't know which guy is better suited to be a head coach because we're not there in the locker room, behind the scenes, seeing what each guy has to offer in terms of leadership ability and the ability to connect with the players. The guys that DO have this knowledge are making the decision, and I for one will be willing to accept that whomever is tapped is the best man for the job. They've earned that trust. I was born in 1972 and have never had to suffer through a lousy coach and I don't want to start now.

 

[Godsbrother]

Bottom line - Steelers are going to hire whichever of those two guys they feel possesses the fire, authority, and ability to command the team, long-haul. Both have been terrific assistants, but we just don't know which guy is better suited to be a head coach because we're not there in the locker room, behind the scenes, seeing what each guy has to offer in terms of leadership ability and the ability to connect with the players. The guys that DO have this knowledge are making the decision, and I for one will be willing to accept that whomever is tapped is the best man for the job. They've earned that trust. I was born in 1972 and have never had to suffer through a lousy coach and I don't want to start now.

Excellent point, EG. We do not know this info but those that are making the decision do. I am sure they will pick the right guy.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

I believe Grimm is already a Hall of Famer. Having another Hall of Fame coach would be a classy pick, esp. since his family is located in the area, not in North Carolina.

Whis is cool with me too, but I think Grimm has the better track record.

My dream team would be Whis staying as OC and Grimm head coaching, but we all know money talks.

 

[Black&Gold]

A lot of things went right for the Steelers last season. Wiz deserves some of the credit. I just have some problems with the play calling. Why isn't Miller used more in the passing game? I know, we need blockers. Where did Wiz coach before he got the Steeelrs gig? Doesn't seem like he has much of a track record. Wiz will probably get it, but Ferentz intrigues me. How long will LeBeau be around? Defense wins championships. Should be fun to see who gets it. I trust the Rooney and they know a lot more than me about this so.....Go Steelers!!!

Coaches get criticized for play calling all of the time, that will happen regardless of who is calling the plays. I would like to see Miller get the ball more too but you don't know how many plays were called where Miller was the target but was covered, or Ben went somewhere else, the play broke down, etc. And as you mentioned Miller was kept in to block a lot which happens when your QB is getting sacked 46 times.Whiz has as good or better track record than any of the other candidates. Ferentz may be intriguing but at this point he has not been mentioned by the Rooneys as a candidate and we're not sure he would be even interested in the job. I am not sure what you mean about how long LeBeau will be around and defense wins championships -- Ferentz is a former O-line coach.I do agree with you that the Rooneys will choose the best guy for the job. I really don't think it will be Ron Rivera or Mile Tomlin though. They both run 4-3 defenses which is a bad fit for the Steelers personnel-wise and they would also be bringing a new offensive coordinator that would likely bring in a different system and new terminology for a young offense to learn. So you have disruptions on both sides of the ball.Hire Whiz and he'll bring in an OC that is going to keep his system and he also keeps LeBeau as DC so no disruptions there. It makes the most sense.

I agree that Rivera or Tomlin won't be the coach and that the Steelers will stay with the 3-4 as long as LeBeau is around. I don't know why, but I'm just liking Grimm better than Wiz. Not sure why. Maybe it's just because Grimm has a more "Steeler" look to him. Whomever it is, I think we need to draft some Olinemen this year. Prisuta said on DVE this morning that he'd like to see another WR go at #1 to give Ben more targets. I don't know. Ben can have all the targets in the world but can't find them laying on his back. Maybe that's why I like Grimm? An offense starts with the Oline and I think that he'd make that a priority. We'll see. I still like Ferentz. Big surprise by the Rooneys.

 

[golfguy]

i actually have this feeling that art rooney II is looking to go in a different direction then a cowher guy (wiz or grimm) i think it will be someone else. most people didn't see cowher as having a chance to replace knoll either then.

 

[Godsbrother]

I agree that Rivera or Tomlin won't be the coach and that the Steelers will stay with the 3-4 as long as LeBeau is around. I don't know why, but I'm just liking Grimm better than Wiz. :X Not sure why. Maybe it's just because Grimm has a more "Steeler" look to him. Whomever it is, I think we need to draft some Olinemen this year. Prisuta said on DVE this morning that he'd like to see another WR go at #1 to give Ben more targets. I don't know. Ben can have all the targets in the world but can't find them laying on his back. Maybe that's why I like Grimm? An offense starts with the Oline and I think that he'd make that a priority. We'll see. I still like Ferentz. Big surprise by the Rooneys.

I agree 100% on this one. No way use a high draft pick on a WR this season. The Steelers need to sure up the o-line and draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I agree that Rivera or Tomlin won't be the coach and that the Steelers will stay with the 3-4 as long as LeBeau is around. I don't know why, but I'm just liking Grimm better than Wiz. Not sure why. Maybe it's just because Grimm has a more "Steeler" look to him. Whomever it is, I think we need to draft some Olinemen this year. Prisuta said on DVE this morning that he'd like to see another WR go at #1 to give Ben more targets. I don't know. Ben can have all the targets in the world but can't find them laying on his back. Maybe that's why I like Grimm? An offense starts with the Oline and I think that he'd make that a priority. We'll see. I still like Ferentz. Big surprise by the Rooneys.

I agree 100% on this one. No way use a high draft pick on a WR this season. The Steelers need to sure up the o-line and draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

I agree in theory, but I for one would prefer to see how the draft shakes out before making a definitive statement. This draft seems a little light on first round OL talent that fits the Steelers' system (Blalock and Levi Brown come to mind) but is EXTREMELY deep in receivers. I know they used a 1st and 3rd on receivers last year, but if a guy like Dwayne Jarrett is out there at #15, which wouldn't happen in many drafts, I think the Steelers need to take a look. Of course, that also means a case could be made to wait until round 2 and see if any value drops, but I am a BPA guy. I wish I could have seen more of Willie Reid, but alas, it wasn't in the cards. I prefer OL, but I'd be lying if I didn't say the thought of Jarrett at the SE spot, Ward as the FL, and Santonio coming out of the slot with Heath Miller going over the middle didn't make me salivate. With Parker behind Roethlisberger, that gives you SO many threats to take it to the house on any play.Of course, I noly endorse this if they feel like the value at OL is in the 2nd round or later. Marcus McNeill was a Pro Bowl caliber OT this year as a rookie and he was a 2nd round pick, while Robert Gallery has been something of a bust and he was the most highly regarded OT prospect in the draft in years (if not him then D'Brickashaw Ferguson) so I don't necessarily think they need to go OL in round 1. I think without any glaring weaknesses, they can look at their need spots and find value based on how the draft plays out.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

FWIW ESPN Scouts Inc has there first mock draft up. They have the Steelers taking OLB Quentin Moses from UGA. I'm not sure what the Steelers think of him but I think OLB is probably their top priority in the draft.

 

[3C's]

FWIW ESPN Scouts Inc has there first mock draft up. They have the Steelers taking OLB Quentin Moses from UGA. I'm not sure what the Steelers think of him but I think OLB is probably their top priority in the draft.

Me too. Porter is 30 or 31. Haggans will be 30 soon. Farrior is even older. Foote had a subpar year. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like LB is a strength of the draft. Like EG said, they should go with BPA. The Dline is in good shape. The secondary is in good shape as long as Ike can continue to play like he did at the end of the year. Oline...well I'd like to see what some of the backups like Essex and Keomatu (sp) can do. There's talk of Simmons moving to center if they can get someone to take his spot.

 

[Godsbrother]

FWIW ESPN Scouts Inc has there first mock draft up. They have the Steelers taking OLB Quentin Moses from UGA. I'm not sure what the Steelers think of him but I think OLB is probably their top priority in the draft.

Me too. Porter is 30 or 31. Haggans will be 30 soon. Farrior is even older. Foote had a subpar year. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like LB is a strength of the draft. Like EG said, they should go with BPA. The Dline is in good shape. The secondary is in good shape as long as Ike can continue to play like he did at the end of the year. Oline...well I'd like to see what some of the backups like Essex and Keomatu (sp) can do. There's talk of Simmons moving to center if they can get someone to take his spot.

The Steelers biggest need on defense is a pass rushing OLB as they did not get enough pressure from Porter and Haggans. I think it may be worth trading down a few spots and take Penn State's Paul Posluszny at maybe 18 or 19. I don't know why you think Foote was subpar. I thought he had an excellent season, second on the team with tackles and 4 sacks. Farrior was solid as usual.I am not sure the Steelers share your enthusiasm with Essex and Kemoeatu. Kemo started a couple games for Simmons this season but was promptly benched and was inactive for pretty much the rest of the season. When Starks went down Willie Colon took over instead of Essex, who should have been ahead on the depth chart. A humorous thing occurred in the Bengals game when Colon was called for taunting. Cowher looked around the sideline as if to replace Colon so he could give him a good ear beating and then looked squarely at Essex for a few seconds-- then decided to yell at Colon from the sideline.

 

[3C's]

FWIW ESPN Scouts Inc has there first mock draft up. They have the Steelers taking OLB Quentin Moses from UGA. I'm not sure what the Steelers think of him but I think OLB is probably their top priority in the draft.

Me too. Porter is 30 or 31. Haggans will be 30 soon. Farrior is even older. Foote had a subpar year. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like LB is a strength of the draft. Like EG said, they should go with BPA. The Dline is in good shape. The secondary is in good shape as long as Ike can continue to play like he did at the end of the year. Oline...well I'd like to see what some of the backups like Essex and Keomatu (sp) can do. There's talk of Simmons moving to center if they can get someone to take his spot.

The Steelers biggest need on defense is a pass rushing OLB as they did not get enough pressure from Porter and Haggans. I think it may be worth trading down a few spots and take Penn State's Paul Posluszny at maybe 18 or 19. I don't know why you think Foote was subpar. I thought he had an excellent season, second on the team with tackles and 4 sacks. Farrior was solid as usual.I am not sure the Steelers share your enthusiasm with Essex and Kemoeatu. Kemo started a couple games for Simmons this season but was promptly benched and was inactive for pretty much the rest of the season. When Starks went down Willie Colon took over instead of Essex, who should have been ahead on the depth chart. A humorous thing occurred in the Bengals game when Colon was called for taunting. Cowher looked around the sideline as if to replace Colon so he could give him a good ear beating and then looked squarely at Essex for a few seconds-- then decided to yell at Colon from the sideline.

I'd love to see them get Posluszny. He'd be a good fit. Maybe subpar was a poor choice of words regarding Foote. More like not as good as 2005. Of course, that would be true of about everyone on the team. Agreed on Kemo. He's a beast but just doesn't seem to have things figured out. Maybe he doesn't have what it takes upstairs. I remember the sequence when Colon got the taunting foul. That was pretty funny.

 

[Black&Gold]

I agree that Rivera or Tomlin won't be the coach and that the Steelers will stay with the 3-4 as long as LeBeau is around. I don't know why, but I'm just liking Grimm better than Wiz. Not sure why. Maybe it's just because Grimm has a more "Steeler" look to him. Whomever it is, I think we need to draft some Olinemen this year. Prisuta said on DVE this morning that he'd like to see another WR go at #1 to give Ben more targets. I don't know. Ben can have all the targets in the world but can't find them laying on his back. Maybe that's why I like Grimm? An offense starts with the Oline and I think that he'd make that a priority. We'll see. I still like Ferentz. Big surprise by the Rooneys.

I agree 100% on this one. No way use a high draft pick on a WR this season. The Steelers need to sure up the o-line and draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

I agree in theory, but I for one would prefer to see how the draft shakes out before making a definitive statement. This draft seems a little light on first round OL talent that fits the Steelers' system (Blalock and Levi Brown come to mind) but is EXTREMELY deep in receivers. I know they used a 1st and 3rd on receivers last year, but if a guy like Dwayne Jarrett is out there at #15, which wouldn't happen in many drafts, I think the Steelers need to take a look. Of course, that also means a case could be made to wait until round 2 and see if any value drops, but I am a BPA guy. I wish I could have seen more of Willie Reid, but alas, it wasn't in the cards. I prefer OL, but I'd be lying if I didn't say the thought of Jarrett at the SE spot, Ward as the FL, and Santonio coming out of the slot with Heath Miller going over the middle didn't make me salivate. With Parker behind Roethlisberger, that gives you SO many threats to take it to the house on any play.Of course, I noly endorse this if they feel like the value at OL is in the 2nd round or later. Marcus McNeill was a Pro Bowl caliber OT this year as a rookie and he was a 2nd round pick, while Robert Gallery has been something of a bust and he was the most highly regarded OT prospect in the draft in years (if not him then D'Brickashaw Ferguson) so I don't necessarily think they need to go OL in round 1. I think without any glaring weaknesses, they can look at their need spots and find value based on how the draft plays out.

We'll see who is there. As GodsBro pointed out, Posluszny would be a good fit. I like that idea. They don't have any more interviews set. So it looks like it's Wiz, Grimm, Tomlin or Rivera. I think they have been expecting this so surely they knew who they wanted between Wiz or Grimm. Do you think Davenport is the other option at RB? Or should we get another in the draft of via trade or FA? I like Parker a lot and think he should get 80% of the carries, but I still think we need a bruiser to get the 4th and 1, 3rd and short plays. It's so hard to repeat and the Steelers had so many off the field distractions this year, we really had no chance. The turnovers early were unbelievble. At least we can cheer on the Buccos this summer. :X

 

[pfalvey]

A lot of things went right for the Steelers last season. Wiz deserves some of the credit. I just have some problems with the play calling. Why isn't Miller used more in the passing game? I know, we need blockers. Where did Wiz coach before he got the Steeelrs gig? Doesn't seem like he has much of a track record. Wiz will probably get it, but Ferentz intrigues me. How long will LeBeau be around? Defense wins championships. Should be fun to see who gets it. I trust the Rooney and they know a lot more than me about this so.....Go Steelers!!!

Coaches get criticized for play calling all of the time, that will happen regardless of who is calling the plays. I would like to see Miller get the ball more too but you don't know how many plays were called where Miller was the target but was covered, or Ben went somewhere else, the play broke down, etc. And as you mentioned Miller was kept in to block a lot which happens when your QB is getting sacked 46 times.Whiz has as good or better track record than any of the other candidates. Ferentz may be intriguing but at this point he has not been mentioned by the Rooneys as a candidate and we're not sure he would be even interested in the job. I am not sure what you mean about how long LeBeau will be around and defense wins championships -- Ferentz is a former O-line coach.I do agree with you that the Rooneys will choose the best guy for the job. I really don't think it will be Ron Rivera or Mile Tomlin though. They both run 4-3 defenses which is a bad fit for the Steelers personnel-wise and they would also be bringing a new offensive coordinator that would likely bring in a different system and new terminology for a young offense to learn. So you have disruptions on both sides of the ball.Hire Whiz and he'll bring in an OC that is going to keep his system and he also keeps LeBeau as DC so no disruptions there. It makes the most sense.

I agree that Rivera or Tomlin won't be the coach and that the Steelers will stay with the 3-4 as long as LeBeau is around. I don't know why, but I'm just liking Grimm better than Wiz. Not sure why. Maybe it's just because Grimm has a more "Steeler" look to him. Whomever it is, I think we need to draft some Olinemen this year. Prisuta said on DVE this morning that he'd like to see another WR go at #1 to give Ben more targets. I don't know. Ben can have all the targets in the world but can't find them laying on his back. Maybe that's why I like Grimm? An offense starts with the Oline and I think that he'd make that a priority. We'll see. I still like Ferentz. Big surprise by the Rooneys.

Actually, Whiz looks like Cowher's little brother with less chin, so I'm not sure why you'd think Grimm has more of a "Steeler" look.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Steelers' Coach Search: Hunt for Cowher's successor could end quickly

2 in-house candidates would keep the other, if possible; 4th interview is scheduled today

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers could choose Russ Grimm or Ken Whisenhunt to become their next head coach and, not only would they keep most of their coaching staff intact, the candidate not selected could return as well.

Grimm and Whisenhunt have told people privately that they would return as a Steelers assistant coach if they are not chosen as the team's head coach and if they are not hired elsewhere as a head coach.

Thus, if Grimm is hired as the Steelers' head coach, he could have Whisenhunt as his offensive coordinator -- with the possible additional title of assistant head coach, the same one Grimm has now as offensive line coach. And if Whisenhunt is promoted to Steelers head coach, Grimm could return in his same capacity.

Whisenhunt, who was interviewed by the Steelers yesterday, and Grimm, interviewed Monday, are the only members of the staff who are candidates for the job. The Steelers also interviewed Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. They will interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin today, perhaps the fourth and final candidate for the job. The club could name a head coach to succeed Bill Cowher before the end of the week.

"I was honored to have the opportunity and excited to be included in this group," Whisenhunt said yesterday after his three-hour interview with the Steelers.

Whisenhunt and Grimm also are candidates for the head-coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals, where Grimm interviewed yesterday. Whisenhunt also is a candidate in Miami.

"The organization, as I see it, is making all the right moves, and has one more to make," Grimm told the media in Arizona after his interview with the Cardinals. "We're still going to talk a little bit and take it from there."

Every assistant on the Steelers' coaching staff is under contract through the 2007 season. That means none can leave without the Steelers' permission unless it is to become a head coach elsewhere. Under previous NFL rules, a position coach could go to another team if it was for a promotion. The league has since abolished those rules; now an assistant can leave voluntarily only for three reasons: If his contract is up, if he receives permission from his team, or for a head-coaching job in the NFL.

Under the rules, Grimm or Whisenhunt can keep the entire Steelers coaching staff if he desires. If one gets the Steelers' job and the other is hired elsewhere, having those coaches under contract will be important to the new head coach here.

For example, both men would want to have Bruce Arians, the Steelers' wide receivers coach, as his offensive coordinator (provided Whisenhunt does not stay as coordinator under a Grimm coaching regime). Arians could not leave if the new Steelers coach wanted to promote him here.

A similar situation occurred in 2004 when Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was hired as the Buffalo Bills' head coach. Mularkey wanted to hire Whisenhunt, then the Steelers' tight ends coach, as his offensive coordinator in Buffalo. Cowher, though, also wanted Whisenhunt as his coordinator. The Steelers would not let Whisenhunt, who was under contract, leave. Instead, they allowed Mularkey to take Tom Clements, their quarterbacks coach, with him as coordinator in Buffalo.

NOTES -- Ben Roethlisberger will join ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" as a guest analyst from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. According to information provided by ESPN, Roethlisberger will discuss his season, Cowher's departure and help analyze the AFC playoff game between the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Bob Smizik: It's a guess, but final answer is Grimm

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

What had been expected to be an intensive and exhaustive coaching search to replace Bill Cowher is turning into a whirlwind tour of minimal proportions. To the surprise of many, the Steelers' coaching search will occupy far less time and involve far fewer candidates than expected. To the surprise of almost no one, it will, in all likelihood, result in the new coach moving from down the hall not from a different city.

By most indications, the Steelers will name their new coach late this week or early next week, and it will be either assistant head coach Russ Grimm or offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

This approach by the club's search committee -- chairman Dan Rooney, president Art Rooney II and director of football operations Kevin Colbert -- is decidedly different from the previous time the Steelers hired a coach. When Chuck Noll retired after the 1991 season, the Steelers interviewed about 10 candidates and the process took three weeks.

This time, there appears to be only four candidates, and the search could be over in a day or two with a formal announcement after that.

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin are the other candidates. Neither has the resume of Grimm or Whisenhunt. Of course, this is about much more than a resume. It about finding the man equal to the job, and there's no foolproof formula for that -- as evidenced by the high level of failure in NFL coaching ranks.

The search committee interviewed Rivera Sunday, Grimm Monday, Whisenhunt yesterday and Tomlin is scheduled for today. If Rivera is the choice, he could not be named until the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs.

It's possible other candidates are being considered, but no other names have surfaced. In this era of media saturation and of agents eager to get their client's name involved with any job, that usually means there are no other candidates.

It's a sparse field, but the Rooneys -- Dan hired Chuck Noll and Dan and Art hired Cowher -- have a track record that does not invite second-guessing. That's doubly so because both in-house candidates are recognized throughout the NFL as men ready to be head coaches. Whisenhunt has interviewed for three other jobs this offseason and Grimm one. Whisenhunt was a finalist for the Oakland Raiders' job last year. Grimm was a finalist for the Bears' job in 2004.

Grimm, who joined the staff in 2000 as offensive line coach, a position he still holds, and Whisenhunt, who joined the staff in 2001 as tight ends coach and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2004, have had plenty of opportunity to show the Rooneys not only their football knowledge but also their interpersonal skills.

Good NFL assistants might not be a dime a dozen, but they are plentiful. Recent league history is thick with outstanding coordinators and assistants who did not turn into good head coaches. As Cowher, a good coordinator who turned into a better head coach, proved, football is more than a game of X's and O's. Although he came to the job with an impressive resume as a defensive coordinator, he hired excellent men, like Dom Capers and **** LeBeau, to run his defense. He had input but he concentrated on the duties of head coach and of being a motivator.

If history is a barometer, the Rooneys are less likely to be concerned about issues of the day and more concerned with a long-term focus. Unlike most other teams in every sport, the Steelers have a history of patience and support for their coaches. They understand the importance of stability and continuity and are not looking for a replacement the first time things go bad -- or the second or third.

It is generally believed that it is in Whisenhunt's favor that he has worked closely with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the closest thing the Steelers have to a franchise player. That's important, but the Rooneys expect their next coach to be around longer than their current quarterback. Roethlisberger could be gone in a few years to free agency.

What a coach can do without a franchise quarterback might interest them more than what he can do with one. As good as he is, Whisenhunt doesn't have a monopoly on quarterback and offensive expertise.

Any hire is risky, even one that involves a team already a contender, which the Steelers will be next season. The Steelers are fortunate to have two good men who not only want the job but who also will provide important continuity from the highly successful Cowher era.

Either would be a good choice.

The guess here? Grimm.

 

[3C's]

Bob Smizik: It's a guess, but final answer is Grimm

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Roethlisberger could be gone in a few years to free agency.

The guess here? Grimm.

No chance Ben leaves in free agency unless they let him.He really did little to backup his guess. What info he did give seemed to say Whiz is the better candidate; more interviews with other teams woudl seem to indicate he's the better/hotter option.

 

[3C's]

Steelers' Coach Search: Hunt for Cowher's successor could end quickly

2 in-house candidates would keep the other, if possible; 4th interview is scheduled today

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

For example, both men would want to have Bruce Arians, the Steelers' wide receivers coach, as his offensive coordinator (provided Whisenhunt does not stay as coordinator under a Grimm coaching regime). Arians could not leave if the new Steelers coach wanted to promote him here.

That, I think, would be a good thing.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers' Coach Search: Hunt for Cowher's successor could end quickly

2 in-house candidates would keep the other, if possible; 4th interview is scheduled today

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

For example, both men would want to have Bruce Arians, the Steelers' wide receivers coach, as his offensive coordinator (provided Whisenhunt does not stay as coordinator under a Grimm coaching regime). Arians could not leave if the new Steelers coach wanted to promote him here.

That, I think, would be a good thing.

I fully expect the decision by this weekend and that it will be ether Whiz or Grimm. Whichever they choose the other one will leave if given a HC opportunity. Whiz appears to be in the running for Arizona and Miami. Grimm might have a shot at Arizona. I haven't heard if Oakland has any interest in Grimm but I am betting that after turning down Al Davis last season, Whiz is not going to the Raiders.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

My highly educated, well-thought-out guesstimate of the situation shows the Steelers signing Whisenhunt as the man, hes in higher demand than toilet paper right now. (He got offers to HC in 3-5 cities). Grimm not as much so. As Gods Brother said, Grimm may have a shot in AZ, which goes to say he may not get that job. In that case he'd stay on with the Steelers, so in that scenario the teams losses are minimal (cowher). I like that move the most, its savvy and would benefit the team mostly. The other two interviews were formality only, the Vikings? Come on now.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

My highly educated, well-thought-out guesstimate of the situation shows the Steelers signing Whisenhunt as the man, hes in higher demand than toilet paper right now. (He got offers to HC in 3-5 cities). Grimm not as much so. As Gods Brother said, Grimm may have a shot in AZ, which goes to say he may not get that job. In that case he'd stay on with the Steelers, so in that scenario the teams losses are minimal (cowher). I like that move the most, its savvy and would benefit the team mostly. The other two interviews were formality only, the Vikings? Come on now.

Tomlin is their DC - they ranked 8th in total defense this year, and #1 vs. the run. In fact, they had one of the best run defenses of all time :They allowed only 985 rushing yards the entire season, with an average of 2.9 ypc. Baltimore was second with 1214 yards and a 3.3 average and Pittsburgh 3rd with 1412 yards and a 3.5 avg.

No surprise he's getting some looks.

 

[zeus]

Tomlin is their DC - they ranked 8th in total defense this year, and #1 vs. the run. In fact, they had one of the best run defenses of all time :

They allowed only 985 rushing yards the entire season, with an average of 2.9 ypc. Baltimore was second with 1214 yards and a 3.3 average and Pittsburgh 3rd with 1412 yards and a 3.5 avg.

No surprise he's getting some looks.

What about their pass defense which was ranked 31st. out of 32 teams?

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Steelers' Coach Search: Hunt for Cowher's successor could end quickly

2 in-house candidates would keep the other, if possible; 4th interview is scheduled today

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

For example, both men would want to have Bruce Arians, the Steelers' wide receivers coach, as his offensive coordinator (provided Whisenhunt does not stay as coordinator under a Grimm coaching regime). Arians could not leave if the new Steelers coach wanted to promote him here.

That, I think, would be a good thing.

I fully expect the decision by this weekend and that it will be ether Whiz or Grimm. Whichever they choose the other one will leave if given a HC opportunity. Whiz appears to be in the running for Arizona and Miami. Grimm might have a shot at Arizona. I haven't heard if Oakland has any interest in Grimm but I am betting that after turning down Al Davis last season, Whiz is not going to the Raiders.

Yep, if the decision comes this week (and all signs point to that), it will definitely be Whiz or Grimm.

 

[CrossEyed]

My highly educated, well-thought-out guesstimate of the situation shows the Steelers signing Whisenhunt as the man, hes in higher demand than toilet paper right now. (He got offers to HC in 3-5 cities). Grimm not as much so. As Gods Brother said, Grimm may have a shot in AZ, which goes to say he may not get that job. In that case he'd stay on with the Steelers, so in that scenario the teams losses are minimal (cowher). I like that move the most, its savvy and would benefit the team mostly. The other two interviews were formality only, the Vikings? Come on now.

I think hiring someone just because they're in higher demand would be a mistake. They need to hire who they think is the best long-term fit for the job.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Good articles on both Wiz and Grimm in the P-G today:

Whisenhunt: Backers say body of work makes him easy choice

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ken Whisenhunt got his degree in civil engineering at Georgia Tech, but he never really wanted to build bridges. Instead, he wanted to build a football team, construct a winning foundation, assemble the necessary parts of a franchise that had an infrastructure as solid as tungsten steel.

None of that is necessary with the Steelers. They do not need an architect to rebuild a tattered franchise or build a winning tradition. With five Super Bowl trophies on display in their South Side offices, they do not need someone to reinvent the wheel. They just want someone to keep the wheel rolling.

That's why Dan Henning, a former NFL head coach who worked with Whisenhunt as a player and assistant coach, wonders what the Steelers are waiting for to name a replacement for Bill Cowher.

"Next to player personnel in the National Football League, continuity is the next best thing," said Henning, who is offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. "Kenny knows the Steelers' organization, they know him. They're not getting an unknown quantity. They know the quality of his work, the way he gets along with people. It's a tremendous advantage in transition."

Henning was head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1983-86 when Whisenhunt was a tight end/H-back there. He later coached with him for one season with the New York Jets, Whisenhunt's last coaching stop before joining the Steelers in 2004. Henning was also head coach with the San Diego Chargers from 1989-91.

"When we drafted him, he was a quarterback/tight end who could do all things. All those qualities he had as a player have transitioned for him as a coach. I don't know if there are any candidates out there who have all those qualities rolled into one.

"There is an old saying: A prophet in his own land is scorned. It's disappointing to me they haven't jumped on Kenny. Sometimes you hesitate because nobody is perfect. I can tell you this -- nobody knows for sure if somebody will be a successful head coach. You can only gauge based on the credentials and their body of work. Kenny has all that."

Whisenhunt had an indistinguishable career as an NFL player, catching 62 passes for 601 yards and six touchdowns in nine seasons with the Falcons (1985-88), Washington Redskins ('89-90) and Jets ('91-93). In college, he finished as Georgia Tech's second all-time receiving yardage leader (1,264) and fourth in receptions (82).

But it has been as an NFL assistant coach where Whisenhunt's career has been almost meteoric. He joined the Baltimore Ravens as tight end coach in 1997, was special teams coach under Chris Palmer with the Cleveland Browns in '99 and joined the Jets for one season before Cowher hired him to coach the Steelers' tight ends.

Now he could be the Steelers' next head coach. He has interviewed with three other NFL teams since the season ended, making him perhaps the most marketable head-coaching candidate in the league.

But Whisenhunt, 44, doesn't want to coach those other teams as much as he wants to coach the Steelers. That's part of the reason he lost an opportunity this week to replace Jim Mora Jr. as coach in Atlanta. Not that anyone would know underneath that calm, placid exterior.

"What people miss when they deal with him is that he's low-key, but very, very competitive, very focused," Henning said. "He wants to win and his actions follow through with that."

Whisenhunt has always been calm, even-tempered. But it does not belie his intensity, his toughness, nor does it adversely affect his performance.

That was apparent as far back as 1980 when Georgia Tech, in a game against unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Notre Dame, asked Whisenhunt to play quarterback after injuries felled its starter and top backup after a couple series. The Yellow Jackets were 1-8 at the time. And Whisenhunt, a walk-on freshman, wasn't really a quarterback. He was a receiver/defensive back.

But he kept Georgia Tech in the game, and the Yellow Jackets managed a 3-3 tie that derailed Notre Dame's season.

"You knew he was athletic, but when he stepped in to play in that Notre Dame game, you knew the guy had more," Ben Utt, a former NFL guard who was captain of the 1980 Georgia Tech team, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Especially in hindsight, just the composure you have to have to be able to do that."

Whisenhunt has always done that, whether on game day or on the practice field, whether in uniform or coaching sweats.

"He has this calm presence about him that he will function as if he did it all his life," said former Georgia Tech coach Bill Curry. "He never panics and he's absolutely brilliant.

"He'll make the call that makes the most sense, that requires calm and presence. He won't be plucking things out of the air or choking on a hot dog. Coaches do all kinds of crazy stuff; there is a legion of ways they can panic in those situations. This guy is cold-blooded in the clutch."

Whisenhunt did not always want to be a football coach. When he retired after eight seasons as a tight end/H-back in the NFL, he thought about being a professional golfer, not a far-fetched thought for a person who grew up in Augusta, Ga. So he worked on his game for six months at Willow Springs Country Club in Roswell, Ga., lowering his handicap to 4 and even qualifying for the 1994 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

But, at age 31, staring at the same reality that eventually smacks most professional athletes who desire to be professional golfers, Whisenhunt thought it was time to do something else.

So he called his old position coach with the Falcons, Rod Dowhower, who was in line to become head coach at Vanderbilt University. Whisenhunt asked him if he needed an assistant coach. And, in 1995, a new career was started.

"I didn't know if I felt I could really succeed at it, but I thought it felt like the right thing to do," Whisenhunt said. "If there's anything that felt right, it was that first year at Vanderbilt. I got back into the game."

It began the ascent that has seen Whisenhunt go from position coach to Steelers offensive coordinator in 2004 to maybe the most viable -- certainly the most-interviewed -- head-coaching candidate in the NFL. Last week, a whirlwind tour took Whisenhunt and his wife, Alice, to Atlanta, Arizona and back home to Pittsburgh to interview with the Miami Dolphins in Wayne Huizenga's private jet.

He was the first person Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted to interview and probably could have had the job if he didn't want to wait to see what would happen with the Steelers. Now he is among what is believed to be a field of four, competing with Russ Grimm and two other candidates -- Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin -- to become head coach of the team whose offense he has directed the past three seasons.

"Tough guy, extremely tough," Dowhower said the other day from Cape Creek, Ariz., where he is retired from coaching. "A tremendous competitor.

"They asked him to do things that were never asked of a tight end before in Atlanta and that's slam-block 300-pound tackles. And he would do it over and over and over again. Never said a word."

Former Pitt coach Foge Fazio was a linebackers/special teams coach with the Falcons, and he always remembered Whisenhunt's toughness. When Fazio went to the Jets and head coach Bruce Coslett was looking for a tight end, he recommended Whisenhunt, who ended up playing three seasons in New York.

"He was always in there watching film and he knew the playbook inside and out," Fazio said. "He knew everyone on that offense and where they were supposed to be. He knew the pass protections. He knew all that. He knew what everyone was doing."

He still does, mainly because of his job description.

When Whisenhunt replaced the pass-happy Mike Mularkey as offensive coordinator in 2004, the Steelers jumped from No. 31 to No. 2 in rushing in the NFL and became the first AFC team to win 15 games in a regular season. When they needed to win their final four regular-season games last season to make the playoffs -- a streak that ended with the Super Bowl championship -- the Steelers leaned on their running game to average 185 yards rushing in that stretch.

But Whisehunt saved his best for the playoffs, and everyone around the NFL noticed.

The Steelers developed into one of the league's most diverse, explosive and productive offenses, a unit that was maddening to defend because of the big-play ability of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the threat of hammering the opposition with the run. The Steelers averaged nearly 28 points a game in their eight-game winning streak and scored on 13 of 28 possessions in the AFC playoffs.

And, yet, there were specific instances of his artistry:

After falling behind, 10-0 and 17-7, in Cincinnati, he pulled out a gadget play that resulted in a 43-yard touchdown from Roethlisberger to Cedrick Wilson to highlight a 24-point run.

In Indianapolis, he put in a special play to tight end Heath Miller that resulted in a 36-yard completion on the second play of the game, immediately setting the tone for what would be a 21-18 victory.

In the AFC championship game in Denver, Whisenhunt put in two plays he thought could work against the Broncos' defensive scheme, one that resulted in Roethlisberger's pump-fake 12-yard touchdown to Wilson, the other a 12-yard touchdown run by Jerome Bettis that was negated by a penalty.

That stamped him a candidate to be an NFL head coach.

"Nobody knows how someone will do until they're a head coach," Dowhower said. "That's all relative to the team you're with and the people you're able to hire and players you have. But I have no doubts he will be. The results will be based on the types of players he has and the support he has. I think he'll handle the rest."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Gerry Dulac can be reached at gdulac@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1466. )

Grimm: His knowledge of game makes him logical pick

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Russ Grimm, star quarterback and linebacker in high school, fumed that day Jackie Sherrill told him he would join the ranks of those nameless football players, offensive linemen.

Grimm, a sophomore at Pitt who passed up his dream to go to Linebacker U at Penn State over a perceived snub, was no offensive lineman. He was **** Butkus, Jack Lambert, Mike Curtis. He punished offensive linemen; now, Sherrill wanted to convert him into one, and a center at that? No way.

"He was ticked off," said Foge Fazio, the assistant coach who recruited Grimm for the Panthers. "He was going to transfer to West Virginia. He was mad and didn't come around to our workouts."

Grimm called Joe Pendry, the assistant coach who recruited him for the Mountaineers. Two days later, Fazio convinced Grimm to attend the Panthers' workout. There, standing before him, was Pendry.

"I talked Jackie into hiring Joe as our offensive line coach," said Fazio, laughing about the scene this week while driving to his winter home in Florida.

Grimm reluctantly accepted the new assignment, something Sherrill says today that he advised him was coming.

"He had growth potential," Sherrill said. "I kept kidding him, 'Russ, you're going from fullback to quarterback to linebacker; you keep eating, you're going to go down' [to offensive line]. Sure enough, he went down."

And up, and up, in weight and stature. Grimm was the center on one of Pitt's great lines in 1979-80 that included tackles Mark May and Jim Covert and guards Emil Boures and Paul Dunn, Grimm's roommate. He then moved to guard after the Redskins drafted him in the third round and became one of the famous Hogs that helped forge three Super Bowl victories in Washington. Grimm made the NFL's all-1980s team as its first-string guard. Among his Redskins linemates were May and Joe Jacoby.

Today, he's a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Steelers' head-coaching job. It could be a good month for Grimm, 47.

"I hope he gets both, he deserves it," said Joe Bugel, his line coach and mentor in Washington, where Bugel has returned as an assistant. "I always felt he'd be one heck of a football coach. He's super smart -- the guy can make a difference on the sideline with the best of them. He's a leader; guys will follow, and he can kick your butt in a lot of different ways. He'd be good for that football team."

Grimm, a native of Scottdale, Pa., who played at Southmoreland High School, began his coaching career under Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs with the Redskins in 1992, first as tight ends coach and later as offensive line coach under Norv Turner. He joined the Steelers as their offensive line coach in 2001 and added the title of assistant head coach in '04.

He revels in the Hogs image, a down-and-dirty guard who bulldozed the way for Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. Yet, his reputation among those who know him is as a sharp former quarterback who knew every player's assignment and could analyze a defense and what it was trying to do.

"He was probably one of the smartest players I ever played with," said Boures, who also played for the Steelers in the 1980s. "That's saying a lot because I played with a lot of great guys. He was probably the smartest player as far as recognizing film work and the whole bit."

Said Sherrill: "He was very intelligent as a player and very aware because he's played all those positions. The game came easy to him. He moved to offensive line and it was easy for him."

His former teammates and coaches believe his training as a quarterback and linebacker in high school probably helped develop that awareness. When the Redskins once were down to two healthy quarterbacks, Gibbs was asked who his emergency No. 3 would be and he pointed to Grimm.

"Everything he ever tried, he was successful at," said John Bacha, his football coach at Southmoreland, where they named the field after Grimm last year. "He was my best athlete and he was a good quarterback. He was good on rollouts, he'd get on the corner with that 210 pounds and had the option to run or throw."

Grimm also played center on the Southmoreland basketball team and threw the javelin.

"He could have been a four-sport star," Bacha said. "He could have left the track, walked over and hit a baseball out of the park. He was an exceptionally good athlete."

Grimm's reputation as a coach grew quickly once the Steelers hired him. The Chicago Bears were ready to hire him as their head coach in 2004 but Grimm balked when told management would help him pick his staff. Gibbs wanted to hire him as his offensive coordinator when he returned to the Redskins in '04, but Grimm was under contract to the Steelers, who did not want to lose him. They promoted him to assistant head coach.

"He's been our little hidden secret for many years now," Steelers All-Pro guard Alan Faneca said. "He'll make a great head coach."

Grimm, who coached from the sideline with the Steelers, presented the halftime adjustments to the players in the locker room for their offense and worked closely with coordinator Ken Whisenhunt on the game plan.

"When he talks, they'll listen," said Fazio, who coached the 2000 season with Grimm with the Redskins. "A lot of people in the league go to Russ for advice on pass protection. You have to be a bright guy to know all the defenses."

"I know of no better football man," said Dunn, now an assistant on Dave Wannstedt's staff at Pitt. "He's a guy who knows the X's and O's of the game, a guy who can discuss coverages and blitzes and footwork from a technique standpoint of the defensive backs and linebackers, too. His knowledge of the game is superior."

Grimm is known as a teacher, a prankster and someone who can be demanding.

"He's going to teach all day and let you go out and do what you have to do," Faneca said. "He's not the kind of guy to say something just to say something. He's not going to beat a dead horse on the sideline. But he'll let you know when you mess up and he's going to correct it.

"When he first got here, I thought I knew a lot and we were doing complicated things before. But when he got here, that completely changed. Our learning of the game up front just grew tremendously."

Can he crack the whip?

"Are you kidding me?" Boures said. "I know I wouldn't want to be on the other end of it."

Yet after almost every game, Grimm is host to a tailgate party in the Steelers' parking lot for everyone who wants to attend, coaches and players. Many of them did, win or lose.

"That's a good thing for team camaraderie," Faneca said. "Besides being together on the practice field, it was good hanging out time."

Dunn noted that while Bill Cowher was a competitive person, he never met anyone as competitive as Grimm.

"He wants to win in everything he does."

Pitt played in the 1980 Gator Bowl against South Carolina, where Grimm would go up against a good nose tackle, Emanuel Weaver. The late Joe Moore, who coached Grimm at Pitt after Pendry and became close with him the rest of his life, used the kind of psychology that Grimm would later adopt as a coach.

In practices leading up to the Gator Bowl, Moore told both Pitt guards to remind Grimm that they would help him block Weaver on every play.

"That just ticked Russ off," said Boures, one of those guards. "He came to us and said, 'Don't come near me.' "

Pitt mauled South Carolina, 37-9, in no small part because Grimm smothered Weaver -- without help from his guards.

It's that kind of sense of purpose that Grimm brought to coaching.

"He's from the area, grew up in the area, played ball at Pitt," Mark May said. "He's blue-collar. He was hard-nosed and physical and that's the way he's going to coach."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. )

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

My highly educated, well-thought-out guesstimate of the situation shows the Steelers signing Whisenhunt as the man, hes in higher demand than toilet paper right now. (He got offers to HC in 3-5 cities). Grimm not as much so. As Gods Brother said, Grimm may have a shot in AZ, which goes to say he may not get that job. In that case he'd stay on with the Steelers, so in that scenario the teams losses are minimal (cowher). I like that move the most, its savvy and would benefit the team mostly. The other two interviews were formality only, the Vikings? Come on now.

I think hiring someone just because they're in higher demand would be a mistake. They need to hire who they think is the best long-term fit for the job.

Agreed. But don't you think theres a reason Whisenhunt is in high demand? Hes a younger guy, had a Superbowl ring, and writes some pretty good plays. Is he not a good fit for any job? Other teams have taken note of the fact that Whisenhunt is ready to coach a pro team, and whats more he may be able to take them to the big dance. That sir, is why he is in high demand, and the reasons above are also good reasons to hire him, which would not be a mistake at all.

 

[wefcpa]

I didn't see this one coming. Kind of strange to bring in Chan for an interview at this point.

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/07011/753130-100.stm

Steelers to interview former coordinator Gailey for coaching vacancy

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers will reach back to one of their former offensive coordinators and interview Georgia Tech Coach Chan Gailey about becoming their next head coach, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Gailey, 55, will meet this weekend with team chairman Dan Rooney, president Art Rooney II and director of football operations Kevin Colbert about replacing Bill Cowher, who resigned last week after 15 seasons. Gailey will be the fifth and, apparently, final candidate to interview for the position.

The Steelers will begin paring their list of candidates next week and conduct second interviews with those who make the final cut. They have already interviewed four candidates: offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, offensive line coach Russ Grimm, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The Steelers have no immediate timetable to name a succesor to Cowher.

Gailey was the Steelers' offensive coordinator for two seasons, beginning in 1996, before leaving to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1998. He was with the Cowboys for two seasons before becoming head coach at Georgia Tech in 2002, where he compiled a record of 37-27.

 

[Godsbrother]

I didn't see this one coming. Kind of strange to bring in Chan for an interview at this point.

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/07011/753130-100.stm

Steelers to interview former coordinator Gailey for coaching vacancy

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers will reach back to one of their former offensive coordinators and interview Georgia Tech Coach Chan Gailey about becoming their next head coach, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Gailey, 55, will meet this weekend with team chairman Dan Rooney, president Art Rooney II and director of football operations Kevin Colbert about replacing Bill Cowher, who resigned last week after 15 seasons. Gailey will be the fifth and, apparently, final candidate to interview for the position.

The Steelers will begin paring their list of candidates next week and conduct second interviews with those who make the final cut. They have already interviewed four candidates: offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, offensive line coach Russ Grimm, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The Steelers have no immediate timetable to name a succesor to Cowher.

Gailey was the Steelers' offensive coordinator for two seasons, beginning in 1996, before leaving to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1998. He was with the Cowboys for two seasons before becoming head coach at Georgia Tech in 2002, where he compiled a record of 37-27.

Meh. At one time I would have welcomed Gailey as a candidate but his record since leaving the Steelers is nothing to write home about. Chan has had his shot, give the job to one of the younger guys.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

That's kinda odd. Gailey has been flirting with Miami for a week already so I guess he's now openly admitting that he's a short timer at GT. I think he could get an NFL job as an OC but I don't know if he'll get serious consideration as a HC.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I didn't see this one coming. Kind of strange to bring in Chan for an interview at this point.

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/07011/753130-100.stm

Steelers to interview former coordinator Gailey for coaching vacancy

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers will reach back to one of their former offensive coordinators and interview Georgia Tech Coach Chan Gailey about becoming their next head coach, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Gailey, 55, will meet this weekend with team chairman Dan Rooney, president Art Rooney II and director of football operations Kevin Colbert about replacing Bill Cowher, who resigned last week after 15 seasons. Gailey will be the fifth and, apparently, final candidate to interview for the position.

The Steelers will begin paring their list of candidates next week and conduct second interviews with those who make the final cut. They have already interviewed four candidates: offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, offensive line coach Russ Grimm, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The Steelers have no immediate timetable to name a succesor to Cowher.

Gailey was the Steelers' offensive coordinator for two seasons, beginning in 1996, before leaving to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1998. He was with the Cowboys for two seasons before becoming head coach at Georgia Tech in 2002, where he compiled a record of 37-27.

The falcons should have hired him. He would be a great fit there.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

That's kinda odd. Gailey has been flirting with Miami for a week already so I guess he's now openly admitting that he's a short timer at GT. I think he could get an NFL job as an OC but I don't know if he'll get serious consideration as a HC.

There are some nimrods at GT that want to push him out. Maybe he is just looking to give them what they want.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

 

[Godsbrother]

Despite rumors that Mike Sherman has been hired as HC of the Arizona Cardinals. WEAE Sports Radio in Pittsburgh said this morning that Ken Whisenhunt is going back to Arizona for a second interview.

 

[3C's]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

According to a poster on another board, Cowher suggested they interview Gailey. And that they are "enamored" with Tomlin. Not sure where he got that information, but he credits Gerry Dulac...but he did misspell Gerry as Jerry. Probably not reliable.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Mark Madden interviewed Mike Logan yesterday and asked several questions about the head coaching vacancy. Logan seemed to gush over Grimm, making comparisions to Grimm and Cowher and calling Grimm a players coach. He seemed much more reserved in his comments about Wiz, saying he was much more laid back, etc.

This is me reading between the lines, but it would appear based upon Logan's comments that at least a contingent of the players would prefer Grimm to Wiz. Maybe no big surprise here, just passing the info along.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Mark Madden interviewed Mike Logan yesterday and asked several questions about the head coaching vacancy. Logan seemed to gush over Grimm, making comparisions to Grimm and Cowher and calling Grimm a players coach. He seemed much more reserved in his comments about Wiz, saying he was much more laid back, etc.This is me reading between the lines, but it would appear based upon Logan's comments that at least a contingent of the players would prefer Grimm to Wiz. Maybe no big surprise here, just passing the info along.

Logan has no real dealings with Wiz. If this came from a guy on the O, I would say it means something.

 

[nightshift]

Whole lot of negotiation positioning going on right now. Way too hard to read any deeper into these actions right now.

Steelers org needs to line-up the candidates; the candidates need to have other potential offers. Bargaining points.

At the end of the day, I still think Wiz or Grimm get the job. If Rooneys do their job right, they/we get both.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

According to a poster on another board, Cowher suggested they interview Gailey. And that they are "enamored" with Tomlin. Not sure where he got that information, but he credits Gerry Dulac...but he did misspell Gerry as Jerry. Probably not reliable.

I am sure this is right. I still recall the NFL Films video of Cowher asking Chan Gailey if he thought the suprise onside kick was a good call in SB XXX. Gailey also was the OC in 1997 when the Steelers had one of their best offenses under Cowher, eventually losing to Denver in the AFC Championship.

 

[Godsbrother]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

According to a poster on another board, Cowher suggested they interview Gailey. And that they are "enamored" with Tomlin. Not sure where he got that information, but he credits Gerry Dulac...but he did misspell Gerry as Jerry. Probably not reliable.

I am sure this is right. I still recall the NFL Films video of Cowher asking Chan Gailey if he thought the suprise onside kick was a good call in SB XXX. Gailey also was the OC in 1997 when the Steelers had one of their best offenses under Cowher, eventually losing to Denver in the AFC Championship.

I don't see the point of making a courtesy interview, I really don't. It isn't like Gailey doesn't have a job or is down on his luck. Bringing Gailey in has every sportscaster/writer in town scratching their head. I can only assume the Steelers are still undecided and so they are bringing another coach they like and respect. They could be talking to Gailey about an OC position but you would think the next head coach would want to choose his own guy. I dunno, I have been saying all along it will be Whiz but the longer this drags on I think it becomes less likely.

 

[massraider]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

According to a poster on another board, Cowher suggested they interview Gailey. And that they are "enamored" with Tomlin. Not sure where he got that information, but he credits Gerry Dulac...but he did misspell Gerry as Jerry. Probably not reliable.

I am sure this is right. I still recall the NFL Films video of Cowher asking Chan Gailey if he thought the suprise onside kick was a good call in SB XXX. Gailey also was the OC in 1997 when the Steelers had one of their best offenses under Cowher, eventually losing to Denver in the AFC Championship.

I don't see the point of making a courtesy interview, I really don't. It isn't like Gailey doesn't have a job or is down on his luck. Bringing Gailey in has every sportscaster/writer in town scratching their head. I can only assume the Steelers are still undecided and so they are bringing another coach they like and respect. They could be talking to Gailey about an OC position but you would think the next head coach would want to choose his own guy. I dunno, I have been saying all along it will be Whiz but the longer this drags on I think it becomes less likely.

I agree, especially considering Whis is having a 2nd interview with Arizona. There's always a chance that he never returns from Arizona.Very surprised that they seem in no rush to hand the reins over to Whis. Makes me think they don't see him as sucha strong candidate. Interviewing Gailey is very surprising to me.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Mark Madden interviewed Mike Logan yesterday and asked several questions about the head coaching vacancy. Logan seemed to gush over Grimm, making comparisions to Grimm and Cowher and calling Grimm a players coach. He seemed much more reserved in his comments about Wiz, saying he was much more laid back, etc.This is me reading between the lines, but it would appear based upon Logan's comments that at least a contingent of the players would prefer Grimm to Wiz. Maybe no big surprise here, just passing the info along.

Logan has no real dealings with Wiz. If this came from a guy on the O, I would say it means something.

I would imagine his dealings with Grimm are also limited.

 

[msommer]

Maybe Grimm is interviewing Gailey for OC?

 

[B-Scott]

I just want a coach that is not going to come in here and completely change up everything. Turning us in to a finesse no defensive ,shotgun type team that passes every down. We have always been physical football team ,and i want to keep it that way.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd bet that this is a courtesy interview for Gailey's work as OC in his prior stint with the Steelers.

According to a poster on another board, Cowher suggested they interview Gailey. And that they are "enamored" with Tomlin. Not sure where he got that information, but he credits Gerry Dulac...but he did misspell Gerry as Jerry. Probably not reliable.

I am sure this is right. I still recall the NFL Films video of Cowher asking Chan Gailey if he thought the suprise onside kick was a good call in SB XXX. Gailey also was the OC in 1997 when the Steelers had one of their best offenses under Cowher, eventually losing to Denver in the AFC Championship.

I don't see the point of making a courtesy interview, I really don't. It isn't like Gailey doesn't have a job or is down on his luck. Bringing Gailey in has every sportscaster/writer in town scratching their head. I can only assume the Steelers are still undecided and so they are bringing another coach they like and respect. They could be talking to Gailey about an OC position but you would think the next head coach would want to choose his own guy. I dunno, I have been saying all along it will be Whiz but the longer this drags on I think it becomes less likely.

FWIW from Pro Football Talk:

POSTED 6:04 a.m. EST, January 12, 2007

STEELERS LEAKED GAILEY INTERVIEW?

In response to our item questioning the sanity of Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey for allowing his name to be publicly tied to interviews with the Fins and the Steelers as he tries to convert those verbal commitments from Yellow Jacket recruits to written ones, an industry source tells us that Gailey was "very disappointed" by the fact that the news got out -- and that the information came straight from the Steelers front office.

So why would the normally tight-lipped Rooneys allow this information to become public? One possibility is that Gailey isn't a genuine candidate for the job, but that the organization is bringing in more people to counter the unusual leverage that has arisen from the fact that in-house favorites Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt have the same agent.

And there are signs that their agent, Eric Metz, could be advising them jointly on strategies for ensuring that one of them gets the job. For example, a report earlier this week from Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicated that Grimm and Whisenhunt separately were saying privately that if one of them gets the head-coaching job, the other will stay on the staff.

It also suggests that the interviews of Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin were not as solid as they needed to be to make either of them better candidates than Whisenhunt and Grimm.

Meanwhile, another industry source tells us that Gailey isn't as big of a long shot for the Dolphins' job as most might believe. The source believes that Gailey will be among the five finalists for the job, and could get it.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_488230.html

Veteran coach Gailey gets interview

Chan Gailey is coming to Heinz Field, and Ken Whisenhunt is heading back to Arizona, a development which NFL sources believe has made Russ Grimm the leading in-house candidate to succeed Bill Cowher as Steelers coach.

Whisenhunt, the Steelers offensive coordinator, will have a second interview today with the Cardinals, who are seeking a replacement for Dennis Green. The visit has fueled talk that the Steelers prefer Grimm over Whisenhunt.

If the Steelers had wanted to hire Whisenhunt, sources speculated, it is unlikely they would have let him go back to Arizona without offering him a contract.

Whisenhunt's first interview in Arizona was Jan. 5. Grimm, the Steelers assistant head coach/offensive line coach, also interviewed for the Cardinals' job.

Gailey, the Georgia Tech head coach, will interview for the Steelers' job Saturday. Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich said Steelers president Art Rooney II called Thursday to request permission to interview Gailey, a former Steelers assistant under Cowher.

Gailey will be the fifth candidate to interview with the Steelers. In addition to Grimm and Whisenhunt, the Steelers have interviewed Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.

Next week, the Steelers will trim their list of candidates and conduct a second round of interviews before determining Cowher's successor. Rivera isn't be available for a second interview until the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs.

Whisenhunt and Grimm were among eight coaches interviewed by the Cardinals.

Houston Texans assistant head coach Mike Sherman had a second interview yesterday with Arizona. Sherman left without a contract, which led NFL insiders to anticipate that Whisenhunt will receive an offer from the Cardinals this weekend.

Gailey, who turned 55 on Jan. 5, has been a college head coach at Troy State (1983-84), Samford (1993) and Georgia Tech (2002-06) and a professional head coach with the World League's Birmingham Fire (1991-92) and with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys (1998-99).

Gailey's Cowboys went 10-6 and won the NFC East in 1998 before losing to Arizona in the first round of the playoffs. The Cowboys went 8-8 in 1999 before losing a wild-card game to Minnesota.

Gailey served under Cowher as a wide receivers coach (1994-95) and offensive coordinator (1996-97) and was responsible for opening up the offense and introducing five-wide receivers formations during his tenure with the Steelers. He also has been an NFL assistant in Denver (1985-90) and Miami (2000-01).

Having the coaching search enter a second week won't affect the Steelers' preparation for next season unless they fail to make a hire before Senior Bowl practices begin Jan. 21 in Mobile, Ala.

The Senior Bowl will be played Jan. 27. The week leading up to the game has developed into an NFL job fair and an opportunity to continue evaluating draft-eligible players. Assistant coaches looking for work or promotions and NFL clubs seeking to finalize coaching staffs are in close proximity during Senior Bowl week.

The Steelers need a running backs coach, having lost running backs coach **** Hoak to retirement.

Should Grimm succeed Cowher and Whisenhunt wind up in Arizona, it's likely that Steelers wide receivers coach Bruce Arians would be elevated to offensive coordinator.

That would leave the Steelers in need of a running backs coach, a wide receivers coach and an offensive line coach, barring any other staff changes or the loss of assistants to Whisenhunt's staff.

Whisenhunt also interviewed with Atlanta and Miami last week. The Falcons have since hired Bobby Petrino from Louisville.

Gailey also interviewed with Miami last week. The Dolphins are reportedly in the process of paring their initial list from 12 candidates to five.