Steelers (2007) (2 Viewers)

[jetpack]

The new coach was scheduled to be introduced at a news conference in Pittsburgh at 3:30 p.m. today.

Can someone post a link to where I can watch this presser live online?

One or both of these will be carrying the audio:ESPN Pittsburgh radio

Fox Sports radio - Pittsburgh

Anyone know if this is on NFL Network or ESPN tv? Dang! I go away on a cruise for a few days and everything changes! Can't wait to read the threads to figure out what the heck went on.Forgot Tomlin is a great hire. Glad they went outside of the org for a fresh take.

 

[Godsbrother]

The new coach was scheduled to be introduced at a news conference in Pittsburgh at 3:30 p.m. today.

Can someone post a link to where I can watch this presser live online?

One or both of these will be carrying the audio:ESPN Pittsburgh radio

Fox Sports radio - Pittsburgh

Anyone know if this is on NFL Network or ESPN tv? Dang! I go away on a cruise for a few days and everything changes! Can't wait to read the threads to figure out what the heck went on.Forgot Tomlin is a great hire. Glad they went outside of the org for a fresh take.

According to this page: KDKA-TV will be covering it live.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

The new coach was scheduled to be introduced at a news conference in Pittsburgh at 3:30 p.m. today.

Can someone post a link to where I can watch this presser live online?

One or both of these will be carrying the audio:ESPN Pittsburgh radio

Fox Sports radio - Pittsburgh

Anyone know if this is on NFL Network or ESPN tv? Dang! I go away on a cruise for a few days and everything changes! Can't wait to read the threads to figure out what the heck went on.Forgot Tomlin is a great hire. Glad they went outside of the org for a fresh take.

According to this page: KDKA-TV will be covering it live.

http://www.wpxi.com/video/10815189/detail.html

 

[Godsbrother]

Tomlin just confirmed that **** LeBeau will be retained as Defensive Coordinator.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

short and sweet.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Tomlin just confirmed that **** LeBeau will be retained as Defensive Coordinator.

I told you not to worry so much!I really think the Steelers made the right move here.

 

[Steelnation]

He handled himself well.



Welcome Mike!!

 

[The Hank]

Just watched the presser...

Very impressive, it will be interesting to see who is the OC -- my thought is that they'll probably go outside the organization, he seemed pretty hell-bent on the fact that he will be avidly looking in Mobile.

Welcome to Pittsburgh Mike!

 

[Irish]

The new coach was scheduled to be introduced at a news conference in Pittsburgh at 3:30 p.m. today.

Can someone post a link to where I can watch this presser live online?

One or both of these will be carrying the audio:ESPN Pittsburgh radio

Fox Sports radio - Pittsburgh

Mark Madden sure is a moron.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

FWIW I was watching KDKA after the press conference and Bob Pompeani said that there were some rumblings among the press that Arians would be given first shot at OC.

 

[Tag]

Tomlin just confirmed that **** LeBeau will be retained as Defensive Coordinator.

Did Russ Grimm get punked or what? anyone know if he was retained as well?

 

[Steelnation]

FWIW I was watching KDKA after the press conference and Bob Pompeani said that there were some rumblings among the press that Arians would be given first shot at OC.

I heard that as well, we will see.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

The new coach was scheduled to be introduced at a news conference in Pittsburgh at 3:30 p.m. today.

Can someone post a link to where I can watch this presser live online?

One or both of these will be carrying the audio:ESPN Pittsburgh radio

Fox Sports radio - Pittsburgh

Mark Madden sure is a moron.

I hate the guy. He is a pure bigot plain and simple. He cannot talk about anything not related to the Pens either.I stopped listening to him altogether now at this point. Why help his ratings, you know?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

On ESPNews John Clayton confirmed that Arians will be the OC.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

On ESPNews John Clayton confirmed that Arians will be the OC.

Which means Arians will be in AZ by the end of the week.I feel like Clayton has missed 95% of the time this season.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Well, I can say definitively that keeping LeBeau on was a terrific move.

My scorecard thus far says - 1 decision made by Tomlin, 1 great call. He's off to a good start.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Steelers long shot hire hits pay dirt

"What we are going to do is promise to have a first-class, blue-collar work ethic in how we approach our business." -- New Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

By Ed Bouchette

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It took little time for the new, young Steelers coach to allay fears that he would slash everything on a team one year removed from a Super Bowl championship -- from their defense to the psyche of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Mike Tomlin, formally introduced as the Steelers' third head coach in 38 years, went to work quickly on his staff, hiring both coordinators. He confirmed that **** LeBeau will remain as his defensive coordinator, and he promoted Bruce Arians from coaching the wide receivers to his offensive coordinator.

Tomlin, 34, has plenty more work to do, and he'll begin today in Mobile, Ala., where he will join what's left of Bill Cowher's old staff for Senior Bowl practices, scouting college players.

One coach who won't return was the runner-up to Tomlin in the 16-day search for Cowher's replacement. Russ Grimm, the team's assistant head coach and offensive line coach, will be granted a release from his contract with the Steelers at his request. Grimm could join new Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt in Arizona, but also could entertain other offers.

Grimm was considered a front-runner at one point during the coaching search, and club president Art Rooney II acknowledged yesterday that Tomlin at first was not high on their list of candidates.

"I think it's fair to say Mike was in that category in terms of our initial discussion," Art Rooney said. "He was probably a long shot when we began the discussions."

Dan Rooney, the team's chairman, denied a report that the Steelers offered Grimm the job on Saturday. He said that never happened, and he took umbrage with those who claimed Grimm accepted their offer, only to learn on Sunday that the Rooneys had changed their minds and reneged. Grimm did not return messages left on his cell phone.

Art Rooney also denied that anyone from the NFL commissioner's office or the NFL Players Association pressured the Steelers to hire Tomlin.

"No, there absolutely was no pressure like that. We knew we were going to comply with the Rooney Rule from day one in terms of our initial list. It was just a question at that point of picking who we thought would be the best coach."

The league's Rooney Rule requires each team with a head coaching vacancy to interview at least one minority coach, but the decision to hire a coach is left entirely up to the team's owners. It was named as such because Dan Rooney suggested the rule that was adopted by the NFL in December 2002.

The Steelers decided late last week they would choose their coach over the weekend, Art Rooney said. That eliminated the third finalist, Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, whose team won the NFC championship Sunday.

Tomlin had gone from long shot to 50-50 bet. The more the Rooneys and Colbert talked to him, the less of a long shot he became.

"The main thing you think about is, when this guy is standing up in front of your team, is he going to be able to get his message across?" Art Rooney said. "I think that, more than one thing, maybe is what convinced us that this is the guy."

Tomlin addressed a packed Steelers press room, attended by nearly 100 members of the media, with a mix of determination, vibrancy and humor.

"We intend to make no bold predictions about what we're going to do," Tomlin said. "What we are going to do is promise to have a first-class, blue collar work ethic in how we approach our business."

Both Tomlin and Art Rooney acknowledged they considered the 2007 Steelers will be a candidate again for the Super Bowl.

By keeping LeBeau as his coordinator, Tomlin indicated that the Steelers likely will stay with their 3-4 scheme in 2007, but they also could switch between a 3-4 and a 4-3, as some NFL teams do now. Art Rooney revealed there were long discussions about that defense before Tomlin was hired, and that it could evolve into a 4-3, although it would take a few years for them to do so as they acquire the different personnel to fit such a scheme.

Rooney suggested to Tomlin that he consider keeping some of Cowher's staff because he considered it a good one, but that the choices are up to the new head coach.

"Continuity is a factor," Tomlin said of his new staff. "It's not the only factor. We're looking for good men who happen to be good coaches."

Arians, 54, was Cleveland's offensive coordinator for three seasons before he joined the Steelers' staff in 2004. He also coached the Colts quarterbacks and was an offensive coach for two other NFL teams and three colleges, in addition to his job as head coach of Temple for six seasons in the 1980s.

He will lend some continuity to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and could be the only offensive coach to return.

"He's a franchise quarterback," Tomlin said. "Like any other position and any other player on this team, we need to be fundamentalists in how we approach our business. We need to be students of the game.

"I look forward to working with Ben in that regard. I'm excited about having an opportunity to work with a young man who is talented, who has also had some of the life experiences of being a professional athlete that he has had. He's a world champion."

Tomlin first visited Pittsburgh when he was 12 years old to play a midget football game.

"I rode the inclines and those things," said Tomlin, a Hampton, Va., native. "Some of my roommates from college were Pittsburgh guys -- Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon -- so I know quite a bit about the attitude of people from the city and the great deal of pride that they have from being from here. I look forward to learning more."

As for what he knows about his new football team, Tomlin said:

"They are physically and mentally tough. They have a reputation for being that. Got some quality players; their resumes speak for themselves. And I'm sure the recent Super Bowl success and failure that followed will make them a hungry group of men."

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

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

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Have I said how much I like this hire?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Let's talk about Arians as an OC. Anyone with more knowledge on the guy than I have want to discuss why this is a good/bad move?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

KDKA is reporting that Grimm is meeting with Whisenhunt this week in AZ about becoming Ast. Head Coach. Also, here's a good clip of Art Rooney discussing the Tomlin hire:

http://kdka.com/video/?id=%2024074@kdka.dayport.com

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Let's talk about Arians as an OC. Anyone with more knowledge on the guy than I have want to discuss why this is a good/bad move?

Mr. Reliable, Mike Prisuta had a good article on Arians last week. Mixed results but that may have been due to personnel in Cleveland. He was the OC when Kelly Holcomb passed for 450 yards against the Steelers in the 2002 playoffs.

Arians itching to call plays

By Mike Prisuta

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Bruce Arians is already contemplating what might take place if he becomes the Steelers' offensive coordinator.

"We'll be fine," Arians said Tuesday. "We'll roll."

Ken Whisenhunt, the previous offensive coordinator, was introduced yesterday as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Arians, the Steelers' wide receivers coach since 2004, is positioned to become Whisenhunt's successor, but the Steelers must settle on a replacement for former head coach Bill Cowher, who resigned Jan. 5 after 15 seasons.

The three finalists are Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, who had his second interview yesterday; Steelers assistant head coach/offensive line coach Russ Grimm, who is scheduled to have his second interview today; and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who cannot interview a second time until the Bears' season is completed.

"I know Russ real well," Arians said. "I know Mike Tomlin a little bit. I don't know Ron Rivera."

Arians, a former quarterback at Virginia Tech, has called plays for Temple, Mississippi State, Alabama and the Cleveland Browns.

Should Grimm get the Steelers' job, Arians expects to call them again.

"Yeah, definitely," Arians said. "Russ and I talk. We've talked about some things."

If Tomlin or Rivera is selected, Arians suspects he'd have an opportunity to become Whisenhunt's offensive coordinator in Arizona.

"I think so," Arians said. "I would hope so."

Whisenhunt, however, may hire his staff before the Steelers sort through their options.

Arians, 54, is under contract with the Steelers for next season. He said he had a verbal agreement with Cowher that would have allowed him to accept a coordinator's position elsewhere.

"I just have to wait for (the Steelers to name) the head coach and see what the deal is," Arians said.

He wants another shot at calling plays.

"That's what I live for," Arians said. "I did it as a head coach (at Temple from 1983-88). I've done it most of my career.

"That's the whole game, the chess match. You put that target on your back and you say, 'Let's go.' Usually after three years, you either get fired or promoted."

The offense Arians coordinated in Cleveland was "very similar to this one here," he said. "That's why it was so easy to come here.

"We ran a lot of 'four wides' (four-wide receivers formations). We ran a lot of reverses and reverse-passes, just like here. It was very similar, although we could have used some of these offensive linemen in Pittsburgh up there."

At Temple, "I had a little running back (Paul Palmer) that led the nation in rushing and finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy (to Vinny Testaverde in 1986)," Arians said. "I had an offensive lineman (John Rienstra) that the Steelers drafted in the first round (ninth overall in 1986).

"We ran the football. I love to run the football. The wide-openness is the quarterback in me. I like to scratch where it itches."

Arians would like to maintain continuity, should he assume command of the offense.

"If that happens, I'd be really comfortable," he said. "If not here, then hopefully things will happen fast enough that I can get another opportunity."

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

Mixed results

Here's a look at the ranks of the Browns' offense during Bruce Arians' three seasons as offensive coordinator:

Year Rushing Passing Overall

2001 31 28 31

2002 23 18 23

2003 20 25 26

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

 

[crowe1130]

I don't know anything about Arians, but this is what the Steelers' site has to say about him:

Arians, named to the Steelers' coaching staff on Jan. 24, 2004, has over 30 years of coaching experience, including 13 years in the NFL. Arians and Head Coach Bill Cowher have worked together previously on the same staff for the Kansas City Chiefs when Cowher was the defensive coordinator and Arians coached the running backs.

Arians, 53, helped All-Pro wide receiver Hines Ward become one of the best wideouts in the NFL over the past three seasons. During Arians' three seasons with Pittsburgh, Ward has been to the Pro Bowl twice and was named Super Bowl XL MVP after finishing with 123 receiving yards and one touchdown. Ward also became the Steelers' all-time receptions leader, surpassing Hall-of-Famer John Stallworth.

Prior to the Steelers, Arians spent three seasons (2001-2003) as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. In 2002 under Arians' guidance, the Browns scored their most points since the 1987 season and also improved in virtually every major offensive category from the three years prior to his arrival.

Arians was instrumental in the development of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, while serving as the Colts' quarterback coach for three years (1998-2000). Under Arians' tutelage, Manning totaled 4,413 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2000 to break his own club season record. His 33 touchdown passes in 2000 established a Colts' franchise record previously held by John Unitas.

He began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech. A 1974 Hokie graduate, Arians played quarterback and was voted the team's most valuable player as a senior.

Arians then held an assistant coaching position at Mississippi State (running backs and wide receivers) from 1978-80 before heading to Alabama to coach the running backs from 1981-82 under the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant.

He was also the head coach at Temple University from 1983-88. Arians also held positions with the Kansas City Chiefs (running backs, 1989-92), Mississippi State (offensive coordinator, 1993-95), New Orleans Saints (tight ends, 1996) and Alabama (offensive coordinator, 1997).

Arians was born Oct. 3, 1952, in Paterson, N.J. He and his wife Christine have a son, Jake (27), and daughter, Kristi Anne (25).

 

[beavers]

Now that there has been a day or two to reflect on the HC change, I have come to conclusion that Russ and Whiz were not really the leading candidates that the media portrayed them to be. Grimm and Whiz were basically the media's favorite. If Whiz was the Rooney's favorite then they would have counter offered Arizona to prevent him from leaving. And if it was Grimm, they would have given the job to him long before Monday.

I know the Rooney's mentioned that Tomlin was a long shot... But I don't really believe this. Rooney was promoting the Rooney Rule by saying that if it wasn't for interviewing a minority, Tomlin wouldn't have had a chance. And since they interviewed him, it opened the door and the rule worked. The Rooney's have had ample time to research candidates and Tomlin fits their mold -- young, energetic, smash mouth football type, external candidate, good person etc.

I think Tomlin was the best candidate for the position from day one and the Rooney's knew it.

 

[streamkeeper]

I never really had a favorite for the job but after a few days I am dissapointed. I think we are expecting to get lucky twice. We might not be that smart. I probable would have opted for the future hall or famer. I don't care what the spin is, 34 years old and inexperienced scares me.

I hope you guys are right, but I will have to be convinced next season.

Right now things still feel uneasy.

 

[Godsbrother]

I never really had a favorite for the job but after a few days I am dissapointed. I think we are expecting to get lucky twice. We might not be that smart. I probable would have opted for the future hall or famer. I don't care what the spin is, 34 years old and inexperienced scares me.I hope you guys are right, but I will have to be convinced next season. Right now things still feel uneasy.

The Steelers front office didn't hire Tomlin hoping to get lucky, they hired the guy they thought was best. Tomlin has just as much or more coaching experience as Grimm. I would have preferred Whiz but bringing in someone with a fresh perspective could be a good thing too.

 

[beavers]

I never really had a favorite for the job but after a few days I am dissapointed. I think we are expecting to get lucky twice. We might not be that smart. I probable would have opted for the future hall or famer. I don't care what the spin is, 34 years old and inexperienced scares me.I hope you guys are right, but I will have to be convinced next season. Right now things still feel uneasy.

I think Tomlin will be a great coach. Recently, the trend has been the change of the guard with NFL coaches. Old timers are no longer an automatic. Take, for example, the return of Art Shell or Joe Gibbs or even Bill Parcells. Art and Joe went nowhere and even though Bill made it to the playoffs, that was about it. Coaches like Mangini or Payton are the future. As the NFL evolves so should the coaches. Those teams who do not change will not compete. Those who do, will compete. And Tomlin will bring a new strategy to the team. I'll take him any day over an old timer. I am excited for the change. Cowher will be missed but I am looking forward to the new era.

 

[3C's]

Let's talk about Arians as an OC. Anyone with more knowledge on the guy than I have want to discuss why this is a good/bad move?

He was one of Pat Kirwins "unsung heroes" early in the 2002 season. Here's what he wrote: 3. Bruce Arians, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinatorFirst the Browns were without their franchise quarterback for the first two games and managed to look good. Were it not for the Dwayne Rudd mistake, the Browns would be 3-0. Arians has designed an offense that has put 90 points on the scoreboard with two different quarterbacks and two different running backs.Cleveland's victory in Week 3 at Tennessee was the second time Arians' offense went into Nashville and got it done. Last year, Cleveland scored 41 in Nashville and won. A small side note to the Arians selection is the Browns have scored more points than the rest of their division combined. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have put 54 points up among them.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Steelers coaching staff: Tomlin tabs Arians as his offensive coordinator

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

MOBILE, Ala. -- One day after taking in all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded his appointment as Bill Cowher's successor, Mike Tomlin rolled up his sleeves and went to work as the new coach of the Steelers.

A day that began with several meetings and hirings at the team's South Side facility ended nearly 1,000 miles away with more meetings and more hirings, including the people who will run his offense and defense.

Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert flew to Mobile, Ala., via private jet yesterday to scout college players preparing for the Senior Bowl and to meet with the coaches who remain from Cowher's staff. His first objective was to tell **** LeBeau, the defensive coordinator the past three seasons, he would be retained to run the Steelers' defense, a move Tomlin confirmed during the news conference Monday announcing his hiring.

Then, he told Bruce Arians, the team's wide receivers coach, he will be promoted to offensive coordinator -- a position Arians, 54, once held with the Cleveland Browns. Arians will replace Ken Whisenhunt, who became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

"Being back in the saddle and calling plays again is where I want to be," Arians said. "We got a good offensive football team and I want to maintain it and maybe make it a little better."

Arians will have at least one other member of the offensive staff to work with -- tight ends coach James Daniel, who is also expected to be retained.

But it is LeBeau, 69, who will have very little disruption to the defensive staff. Tomlin is expected to retain all the defensive coaches from Cowher's staff, including both secondary coaches, Darren Perry and Ray Horton, a surprising development for a coach who employed a different defensive scheme with the Minnesota Vikings. All the coaches from Cowher's staff had at least one year remaining on their contracts.

Earlier, Tomlin was at the team's complex on the South Side and retained another holdover from Cowher's staff -- conditioning coordinator Chet Fuhrman, who also had a year remaining on his contract.

Tomlin needs several other assistant coaches and already has discussed the openings with potential candidates. He has talked to former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Ken Anderson about becoming the team's quarterback coach, apparently replacing Mark Whipple.

Anderson, the Bengals' all-time leading passer, has been an assistant coach the past four seasons in Jacksonville, the past three as the Jaguars' quarterbacks coach. Anderson was the Bengals' offensive coordinator at a time when LeBeau was their defensive coordinator and head coach.

Also, Larry Zierlein, an assistant offensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills, is a possibility to replace Russ Grimm, who asked the Steelers to release him from his contract after he lost out to Tomlin to become the new head coach. Grimm joined the Arizona Cardinals yesterday as offensive line coach/assistant head coach -- the same title he had with the Steelers -- and will be reunited with Whisenhunt.

Zierlein was the offensive line coach at the University of Cincinnati (1997-2000) when Tomlin was the Bearcats' secondary coach and also was the Browns' offensive line coach in 2001-04 when Arians was the offensive coordinator.

Arians has been the Steelers' wide receivers coach since he was fired as the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2003. He was also an offensive coordinator at Alabama and Mississippi State, in addition to being head coach at Temple University.

 

[mcintyre1]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

 

[ptsteelers]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

Just throwing this out there ...As we don't have a glaring need (that I know of), and depth is not an issue (yes, depth is always an issue, but you know what I mean), and with Tomlins past in mind, would they try to go for a DL that could play both DT and DE?(Setting up for a solid 4-3 in the future)

 

[Godsbrother]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

Just throwing this out there ...As we don't have a glaring need (that I know of), and depth is not an issue (yes, depth is always an issue, but you know what I mean), and with Tomlins past in mind, would they try to go for a DL that could play both DT and DE?(Setting up for a solid 4-3 in the future)

Very good possibility although Tomlin has said he believes in a strong running game so an offensive lineman in the first round makes sense too.

 

[Franknbeans]

I don't know if it'll be 1st round but all of Pitt's linebackers are getting long in the tooth with no heir apparent's in sight on the current roster. I think that'll be one of their 1st day choices for sure.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

Just throwing this out there ...As we don't have a glaring need (that I know of), and depth is not an issue (yes, depth is always an issue, but you know what I mean), and with Tomlins past in mind, would they try to go for a DL that could play both DT and DE?(Setting up for a solid 4-3 in the future)

Very good possibility although Tomlin has said he believes in a strong running game so an offensive lineman in the first round makes sense too.

I think we need both D-line and O-line help. Ben got sacked way too much and we didn't seem to get the same push defensively that we normally get. I would also consider getting a LB to replace Porter. Isn't his contact coming up soon?

 

[3C's]

I agree that Oline makes sense. Only problem with that is the great one(s) (Thomas and Brown) will probably be gone at #15 and the ones left wouldn't be worthy of a pick at that spot, unless Blalock shows really well in the combine. Maybe we'll get lucky and Brown will slip to us. LB would be good too, but it's not a position of strength this year. Posluszny is probably the best and most "guru's" have him being picked somewhere in the mid 20's. I get a feeling that his stock will rise though. Timmons and Willis could be possibilities too.

 

[mcintyre1]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

Just throwing this out there ...As we don't have a glaring need (that I know of), and depth is not an issue (yes, depth is always an issue, but you know what I mean), and with Tomlins past in mind, would they try to go for a DL that could play both DT and DE?(Setting up for a solid 4-3 in the future)

I agree with this notion, and I think the perfect player exists in this draft class: Adam Carriker. The man is huge, (6'6", 290lbs) and he has space to add more bulk to that frame. Carriker is an excellent pass rusher and is very strong to boot. If the Steelers could get him in the 2nd, it would be amazing, but I don't see him falling out of the first with a good combine.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

The Steelers will need to address OLB at some point in the draft. That will shed alot of light on the type of D they plan to use moving forward. If they go after bigger pass rushing OLBs (like Woodley, etc.) clearly they are committed to the 3-4. If they draft a guy like Posluszny more of a coverage, speed guy I think it's clear that a 4-3 is in their future.

This really intrigues me. I certainly don't believe that a safety like Polamalu is used to the best of his abilities in a cover-2 D. Hopefully LeBeau and Tomlin can come up with some new wrinkles.

 

[kevinray]

Is there a Terrell Suggs mold of DE in this year’s draft? I know Adams, Moses, and Moss are highly touted and have all fallen to us in one draft or another (although Adams will probably be gone). Are there any guys around us who could be the Vrable/Suggs type of player that can get at the passer on DE or OLB?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

So now with the new HC hired, who do you guys see PIT taking in the 1st?

Just throwing this out there ...As we don't have a glaring need (that I know of), and depth is not an issue (yes, depth is always an issue, but you know what I mean), and with Tomlins past in mind, would they try to go for a DL that could play both DT and DE?(Setting up for a solid 4-3 in the future)

I agree with this notion, and I think the perfect player exists in this draft class: Adam Carriker. The man is huge, (6'6", 290lbs) and he has space to add more bulk to that frame. Carriker is an excellent pass rusher and is very strong to boot. If the Steelers could get him in the 2nd, it would be amazing, but I don't see him falling out of the first with a good combine.

I love Carriker, having watched him many times. That said, to me at least, he seems like a prototypical 3-4 DE. Will he be a good fit in a 4-3? I'm not sure he has the speed to play the edge, but he might be too small to play DT effectively. Seems like kind of a "tweener" in a 4-3, while in a 3-4, he'd be a better version (IMO) of Aaron Smith.It's going to be really tough for me to project players to the Steelers in this draft. I'm so used to looking for a certain type of player at each spot - now I'm going to have to redefine everything for scouting purposes. Or not. We still don't know what they're going to do.

 

[ptsteelers]

Speaking of the draft, Do we ... ("we" ) have any comp picks this year ?

 

[kevinray]

Speaking of the draft, Do we ... ("we" ) have any comp picks this year ?

I don't think they've annouced them yet because we should get at least two 4ths for El and Hope maybe even a 5th or 6th for Kimo.

 

[The Hank]

what's the prospects of H.B Blades in the 2nd? or is he more of a MLB?

 

[chris1969]

Let's talk about Arians as an OC. Anyone with more knowledge on the guy than I have want to discuss why this is a good/bad move?

He was one of Pat Kirwins "unsung heroes" early in the 2002 season. Here's what he wrote: 3. Bruce Arians, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinatorFirst the Browns were without their franchise quarterback for the first two games and managed to look good. Were it not for the Dwayne Rudd mistake, the Browns would be 3-0. Arians has designed an offense that has put 90 points on the scoreboard with two different quarterbacks and two different running backs.Cleveland's victory in Week 3 at Tennessee was the second time Arians' offense went into Nashville and got it done. Last year, Cleveland scored 41 in Nashville and won. A small side note to the Arians selection is the Browns have scored more points than the rest of their division combined. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have put 54 points up among them.

I think Arians is a good choice as OC. I was always impressed on how smart the guy is. He can make Chicken salad out of the proverbial Chicken ####. His biggest problem is he's not emotionally strong enough to play the political game. He won't go out and take control, but if you want good results you'll have to give it to him. Otherwise he'll be a yes man that knows he's smarter than you, but won't tell you that.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

**** Lebeau is a bad bad man.

By keeping him I like Tomlin more. I don't see a 4-3 defense this year, but Lebeau being no spring chicken is probably knowledgeable of the 4-3 look. It wouldnt knock my socks off to see a change in the scheme eventually, or even a hybrid of defensive looks. These guys are pros, I wouldnt limit them to anything. Personell is the teams biggest issue,as I don't believe they are solid at the linebacker position (i.e. bringing in veteren Chad Brown midseason). After addressing O Line and possibly Power RB i think they need some lineback help.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Speaking of the draft, Do we ... ("we" ) have any comp picks this year ?

I don't think they've annouced them yet because we should get at least two 4ths for El and Hope maybe even a 5th or 6th for Kimo.

Don't forget we signed Clark. I'd guess we'll get a 4th and a 5th. They usually announce them at the end of March.

 

[Godsbrother]

Speaking of the draft, Do we ... ("we" ) have any comp picks this year ?

I don't think they've annouced them yet because we should get at least two 4ths for El and Hope maybe even a 5th or 6th for Kimo.

Don't forget we signed Clark. I'd guess we'll get a 4th and a 5th. They usually announce them at the end of March.

El and Hope were given big contracts and Kimo's was decent too. They were all starters so that I am hoping we'll get at least 2 fours. There is some type of formula that is used to determine this so I am not sure how the signing of Clark factors into it.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Speaking of the draft, Do we ... ("we" ) have any comp picks this year ?

I don't think they've annouced them yet because we should get at least two 4ths for El and Hope maybe even a 5th or 6th for Kimo.

Don't forget we signed Clark. I'd guess we'll get a 4th and a 5th. They usually announce them at the end of March.

El and Hope were given big contracts and Kimo's was decent too. They were all starters so that I am hoping we'll get at least 2 fours. There is some type of formula that is used to determine this so I am not sure how the signing of Clark factors into it.

Yeah, it's something that for some reason is a great mystery to nearly everyone but is based on contract value and games started. We may get two 4ths. Take the Smallest of the contracts of Kimo/ARE/Hope (it was Kimo, right) and then the Clark will either downgrade or eliminate the comp pick we get for that loss. Optimisticaly we could get 2 4ths and a 6th, pessimistically a 4th and a 5th. Probably somewhere inbetween there.

 

[Godsbrother]

Just heard that it is official that former Bengals QB Ken Anderson is the new Steelers QB coach meaning Mark Whipple is history. Anderson was a pretty decent QB in his day, making the Pro Bowl four times and he held NFL records for consecutive pass completions (20) and completion percentage for a season (70.6% in 1982) at the time he retired.

He also played in Super Bowl XVI but lost to the 49ers 26-21. Anderson played well though setting Super Bowl records for completion percentage (73.5%) and completions (25).

After retiring he became the Bengals QB coach and then offensive coordinator and then went on to Jacksonville as their QB coach. Although he was fired this past season I like this signing very much.

I also heard that defensive back coach Darren Perry has resigned. I wonder if he is on his way to Arizona...

 

[HellToupee]

Just heard that it is official that former Bengals QB Ken Anderson is the new Steelers QB coach meaning Mark Whipple is history. Anderson was a pretty decent QB in his day, making the Pro Bowl four times and he held NFL records for consecutive pass completions (20) and completion percentage for a season (70.6% in 1982) at the time he retired.He also played in Super Bowl XVI but lost to the 49ers 26-21. Anderson played well though setting Super Bowl records for completion percentage (73.5%) and completions (25). After retiring he became the Bengals QB coach and then offensive coordinator and then went on to Jacksonville as their QB coach. Although he was fired this past season I like this signing very much.I also heard that defensive back coach Darren Perry has resigned. I wonder if he is on his way to Arizona...

Mark Whipple is a damn good coach. I was hoping he landed the BC job.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I have to say all the turnover in the coaching staff is making me a little nervous. A lot of proven winners biting the dust. I hope Tomlin knows what he's doing with the new guys he brings in.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I have to say all the turnover in the coaching staff is making me a little nervous. A lot of proven winners biting the dust. I hope Tomlin knows what he's doing with the new guys he brings in.

He's kept on much of the staff - almost too much IMO. The guy is head coach and should be allowed to bring people in of his own. It's his team now. The Cowher era is sadly over. When Cowher took over I think the sole holdover was **** Hoak.