Steelers choose Vikes' Tomlin - UPDATED - False report (1 Viewer)

[Conehead]

Steelers choose Vikes' Tomlin to succeed Cowher

Posted: Saturday January 20, 2007 1:57PM; Updated: Saturday January 20, 2007 2:13PM

By Michael Silver, SI.com

Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, has been chosen as the Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach, SI.com has learned.

The official announcement will come either later Saturday or on Sunday.

Tomlin, 34, impressed the Steelers during the interview process with his organization skills, intelligence and grasp of the game, according to a source familiar with the coaching search.

He succeeds Bill Cowher, who resigned Jan. 5 after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach.

Tomlin beat out Russ Grimm, 47, a Steelers assistant for six seasons and their assistant head coach for three, who had been considered the front-runner. The other finalist for the job was Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Before joining the Vikings a year ago, Tomlin had spent five years as a defensive coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that, he was a college assistant at Cincinnati, Arkansas State, Memphis and Virginia Military Institute.

Tomlin will become only the third Steelers head coach in 38 years and the NFL's sixth African-American head coach.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/foot...tml?eref=si_nfl

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Edit:

False report.... See further down in the thread.

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[Sea Bass]

Reported on PFT

 

[Biabreakable]

 

[Sheriff66]

It is going to be an interesting to see if the 3-4 goes out the window, and what coaching changes might come. Would rather have had Wiz, but he was the next best thing IMO.

 

[Sheriff66]

I am surprised at this and wonder what the fantasy impact will be. I guess much will depend on who the OC will be (Arias?)

He is a "Run the ball and stop the Run" type coach...

 

[Steelers4Life]

I trust the Steelers to make the right choice, and if they feel this guy is an up and coming coach and the right guy to lead the Steelers for the next decade or more, I believe them.

I've liked everything I'd read about him and he has a lot of similarities to what Bill Cowher brought to the table 15 years ago. I hope we're talking about Tomlin in 2022 just as we can talk about Cowher today.

 

[monessen]

They couldn't wait until after the Bears-Saints game before giving up on Rivera?

If they had decided on Tomlin, why did they deny Arians permission to interview in Arizona? Was that a swerve to make folks think Grimm was in?

Not good. A head-scratching choice. It's a good day for Cincinnati fans and Carson Palmer, though. Unless a Tomlin-led defense can stop the pass.

 

[Sea Bass]

I think that Steeler fans are going to eventually enjoy having Tomlin as a head coach.

 

[Sheriff66]

They couldn't wait until after the Bears-Saints game before giving up on Rivera?If they had decided on Tomlin, why did they deny Arians permission to interview in Arizona? Was that a swerve to make folks think Grimm was in?Not good. A head-scratching choice. It's a good day for Cincinnati fans and Carson Palmer, though. Unless a Tomlin-led defense can stop the pass.

Like Steelers4life said, I don't think there has been a better team at choosing a head coach, I'll trust the Steelers made the right decision until I see otherwise...

 

[Jene Bramel]

Very, very interesting.

Got to think Tomlin would want to install the Tampa-2 as a base defense. You can certainly play Cover-2 from a 3-4 front, but the Tampa-2 concepts don't lend themselves real easily to the 3-4. And the current personnel along the front seven aren't great fits. If Tomlin does go Tampa-2, it'd bring the coaching tree full circle as Tony Dungy and Monte Kiffin adapted the scheme from Bud Carson's Cover-2 during the Steel Curtain days.

Looking forward to the presser.

 

[Jous]

I can't really say I have an opinion on this because I don't know all that much about what to look for in hiring a head coach... but I trust the Rooney's decision. Good luck to Tomlin and let's go Steelers!

Apparently he seemed like a pretty good candidate. I'm not too worried about the "last against the pass" thing though. He had some good pass D in Tampa Bay, so it could have just been the players in Minnesota that weren't playing up to par. Also, we'll still (hopefully) have **** Leabeau as defensive coordinator, who's a genius.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I can't really say I have an opinion on this because I don't know all that much about what to look for in hiring a head coach... but I trust the Rooney's decision. Good luck to Tomlin and let's go Steelers! Apparently he seemed like a pretty good candidate. I'm not too worried about the "last against the pass" thing though. He had some good pass D in Tampa Bay, so it could have just been the players in Minnesota that weren't playing up to par. Also, we'll still (hopefully) have **** Leabeau as defensive coordinator, who's a genius.

Not that I don't believe it, but it's not anywhere else yet, and it's not on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette site yet.That would suprise me if SI.com beat out the Post-Gazette reporters.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Also, we'll still (hopefully) have **** Leabeau as defensive coordinator, who's a genius.

That's the key. I dont mind if we install some variation of the cover 2 as long as lebeau is the architect.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

PFT nailed this weeks ago.

STEELERS PICK TOMLINMichael Silver of Sports Illustrated reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin to be the team's next head coach.We've been banging the gong for Tomlin throughout the process, and we're glad to see that the Steelers picked him despite the fact that we endorsed him so strongly.Tomlin beat out Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm and Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.It's the third straight time that the Steelers have hired a head coach under the age of 40. And it's the first time in team history that the Steelers have hired an African-American head coach.The move is significant, since it shows that the guy after whom the "Rooney Rule" was named is truly color blind when the time comes to picking the best person to lead his team.Our concern, frankly, is whether the rank-and-file Steelers fans will be as charitable. We've spent enough time in Pittsburgh to know that, for a northern city, there's a strong undercurrent of racism there. Hopefully, all of the fans will follow the example that the Rooneys have set by making the best decision possible for the future of the franchise, regardless of race. The hire surely will bring about significant change, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The 3-4 will be out the door, replaced by Tomlin's signature Cover 2. Assistant coaches like defensive coordinator **** LeBeau will become irrelevant, and popular players like Troy Polamalu might not have the skills to make the shift to the new system.We really think it's the best move over the long haul. This franchise was still hungover from the completion of a 14-year quest last February in Detroit. A new direction was needed; Tomlin will bring it.And we've got a strong feeling that, under Tomlin, it won't be another 14 years before the Steelers are hoisting their sixth Lombardi.

 

[Sheriff66]

Changing to the 4-3 would make FA signings and the draft very interesting this year. Extra cap room is coming at the right time to make a change if they want to, this is so wierd to even be talking about a different HC other then Cowher...

 

[Memphis Foundry]

I'm very pleased. I think an outside candidate is the right choice at this point, and I liked Tomlin better than Rivera. I thought that Tomlin would be at a distinct disadvantage early on in the process because of the issue that Jene highlighted -- our front seven is not a good fit for a Tampa-2. It will be really interesting to see how the next few months shake out. I think the long term is cool, though.

 

[Rogi]

This is too bad for the Vikings. He's the best D-coordinator they've had in a while.

 

[x260bm]

I didn’t expect them to do this.

 

[Bull Dozier]

This is too bad for the Vikings. He's the best D-coordinator they've had in a while.

The best since Dungy.It's interesting that the only good thing Childress has done in his one year tenure (bring in Tomlin) is now over. Let's hope he hired another good D-coordinator and doesn't decide to call both offensive and defensive plays.

 

[Bojang0301]

As a Steelers fan I can't say that I'm all that happy. This team is solid at every position with the structure that they have, they could make a run for the next two years. I'm disappointed that the Rooneys wouldn't fork over money to Cowher and even more disappointed that they are moving in a direction that will most likely rebuild the defense. IMO, they had not one, but two in house candidates that would have made damn good head coaches. Just because they struck lightning once with a young inexperienced coach doesn't mean they will twice. I will give him the benefit of the doubt with the Steelers history but I am not all to pleased right now.

 

[3C's]

As I said in the other thread:



But, since it's not official I won't get too excited.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Not that I don't believe it, but it's not anywhere else yet, and it's not on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette site yet.That would suprise me if SI.com beat out the Post-Gazette reporters.

I'm growing more and more skeptical of this. It's still not being reported anywhere else that I can find, and I really doubt this is a story that would be missed by the biggest newspaper in Pittsburgh.

 

[Jene Bramel]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.

The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Joey Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.

James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.

They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.

But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Jerry Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

not to mention there's an excellent crop of edge rushers in this year's draft. We definitely have cover 2 corners, they can't cover for more than three seconds.

 

[Saints-Man]

I trust the Steelers to make the right choice, and if they feel this guy is an up and coming coach and the right guy to lead the Steelers for the next decade or more, I believe them.I've liked everything I'd read about him and he has a lot of similarities to what Bill Cowher brought to the table 15 years ago. I hope we're talking about Tomlin in 2022 just as we can talk about Cowher today.

It is hard to argue with the success the Steelers have had in picking head coaches. Hopefully, they are right again.

 

[Bojang0301]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.

The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Jerry Joey Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.

James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.

They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.

But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

He's a free agent so he probably won't be returning... at least IIRC.

 

[3C's]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.

The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Jerry Joey Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.

James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.

They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.

But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

He's a free agent so he probably won't be returning... at least IIRC.

I think he's signed through 2007. Almost everyone is.

 

[Jene Bramel]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.

The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Jerry Joey Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.

James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.

They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.

But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

He's a free agent so he probably won't be returning... at least IIRC.

I'm an idiot. Jerry Porter has no chance at succeeding as a down lineman. I'll correct my original post. I don't think Joey Porter is a free agent. I think the issue is a big roster bonus that's due some time this offseason. I thought he had one more year on his contract. Could be wrong though.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Finally a story on the Post Gazette website... not a confirmation, but not a denial, either.

Steelers downplay SI report on new coach

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Tom Birdsong, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pittsburgh Steelers this afternoon would not confirm a Sports Illustrated report that the team has named a new head coach.

SI.com, the magazine's web site, reported today that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin had been offered the job.

Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett, however, said that although he had read the SI.com report, the team would not confirm that Mr. Tomlin would replace Bill Cowher.

"We have heard all the rumors, and we have nothing to confirm at this point,'' Lockett said.

Asked whether the team had a news conference scheduled either today or tomorrow to announce that their search for a coach was over, Mr. Lockett said, "No, nothing planned, and we would certainly tell you and all the media if we did.''

As he left Steelers headquarters on the South Side this afternoon, team Chairman Dan Rooney would say only, "No comment,'' when asked about the report.

Lockett, asked whether the search for a coach continued, would say only that the team had done important second interviews with two of the candidates, Mr. Tomlin and Steelers assistant head coach and line coach Russ Grimm.

Mr. Grimm, a native of Scottdale, Westmoreland County, could not be reached to see whether he had been told anything about the search.

His brother, Donn, reached in Georgia, said he had heard nothing from Russ Grimm today.

"I think I would have heard, if he knew anything,'' Donn Grimm said.

Mr. Tomlin, 34, just finished his first year as defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. It is believed that he and Mr. Grimm are the frontrunners to replace Bill Cowher. Cowher resigned last month after the Steelers ended the 2006 season with an 8-8 record, following a Super Bowl championship the year before.

Cowher said he planned to spend more time with his family after coaching the Steelers for 15 years. His wife and youngest daughter moved to Raleigh, N.C., last year.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

You know, as I think through this a little more, I think the personnel isn't as poor a fit as I thought at first glance.The biggest issue will be finding an edge rusher that can hold up against the run. I don't know that Jerry Porter can succeed as a down lineman. Clark Haggans is an interesting option, but he's probably a better fit as a SLB in this scheme -- and a pretty good one at that. Casey Hampton would still fit as the NT in this scheme and Brett Keisel has a skill set that would work well as the three technique DT.James Farrior at MLB and Larry Foote at the Will are probably good enough fits. Farrior is a little long in the tooth to be dropping in coverage quickly but has the smarts to coordinate the scheme. Foote won't be a Lance Briggs type at the Will, but has some pursuit and zone coverage ability. Troy Polamalu would easily be the best safety this scheme has ever seen and could compensate for some of the coverage issues underneath. I doubt the Steelers would move him up to the WLB role, but that would be pretty exciting, especially in Tomlin's very aggressive form of the T2. And all three Steeler corners are good fits for a Cover-2 scheme. All tackle relatively well in run support and are plenty physical for short and intermediate zone coverage.They could use an edge rusher -- Leonard Little, Patrick Kerney, and Dwight Freeney are available. And, while not critical, an upgrade at MLB and WLB might be nice.But it's not as far off as you'd think given the need to shift personnel from the 3-4.

not to mention there's an excellent crop of edge rushers in this year's draft. We definitely have cover 2 corners, they can't cover for more than three seconds.

They can all hit, though. Ike Taylor is probably right now.I don't worry about the inside of the line at all -- Chris Hoke could slide in beside Hampton and would fit right in to a 4-3 scheme. It's DE and MLB depth behind Farrior that are a little worrying. The more I read on Tomlin, though, I become more comforted because it seems he is much more of an adapter than a zealot when it comes to schemes.

 

[fatness]

ESPN radio reported maybe 20 minutes ago that Tomlin denied he'd been hired --- I think they cited Mortensen as the source.

 

[Steelers4Life]

ESPN radio reported maybe 20 minutes ago that Tomlin denied he'd been hired --- I think they cited Mortensen as the source.

That's also on Rotoworld. I'm still skeptical.ESPNews reports Mike Tomlin denies he's taken the Steelers' coaching job.ESPN's John Clayton also disputes the report, saying his sources have not indicated a final decision has been made by the Rooneys. Tomlin told people who've contacted him since SI.com's report came out that he has not spoken with the Steelers on Saturday.

 

[Jous]

I just Troy Polamalu is good enough to fit the new system. He's a hell of a player, and we need to keep him tha way, even if that means adjusting the defense a bit.

 

[Biabreakable]

For the Vikings sake I hope this is not true.

 

[fatness]

ESPN Radio just reported that Tomlin said this:

It's not true, I don't know where that's coming from

 

[chadavan]

ffLiveWire.com is reporting that it is a false report.

 

[fatness]

6abc.com link

01/20/2007 13:07 PM - The Steelers have narrowed their wish list of candidates to replace Bill Cowher to three names -- Russ Grimm, Ron Rivera and Mike Tomlin -- but have not yet made a decision on their next head coach.

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have narrowed their wish list of candidates to replace Bill Cowher to three names -- Russ Grimm, Ron Rivera and Mike Tomlin -- but have not yet made a decision on their next head coach.A report on Sports Illustrated's Web site, SI.com, on Saturday indicated that Tomlin had been chosen as the successor to Cowher, but the Vikings' defensive coordinator told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that no decision had been made."It is untrue," Tomlin said of the report. "I have no idea where it's coming from. I have not talked to the Rooneys today."Sources also told ESPN.com's John Clayton that the report was incorrect, and the Steelers are not expected to make a decision Saturday.The team also did not confirm the report Saturday."We have heard all the rumors, and we have nothing to confirm at this point," Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Tomlin and Grimm, the only remaining in-house candidate, both had their second interviews earlier this week. The Steelers can't talk to Rivera again until the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs.

 

[beavers]

now si.com has changed it to an announcement within the next 2 days...

Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, has been chosen as the Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach, SI.com has learned.

The official announcement is expected to come sometime in the next two days.

Tomlin, 34, impressed the Steelers during the interview process with his organization skills, intelligence and grasp of the game, according to a source familiar with the coaching search.

He would succeed Bill Cowher, who resigned Jan. 5 after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach.

Tomlin beat out Russ Grimm, 47, a Steelers assistant for six seasons and their assistant head coach for three, who had been considered the front-runner. The other finalist for the job was Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Before joining the Vikings a year ago, Tomlin had spent five years as a defensive coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that, he was a college assistant at Cincinnati, Arkansas State, Memphis and Virginia Military Institute.

Tomlin would become only the third Steelers head coach in 38 years and the NFL's sixth African-American head coach.

 

[beavers]

hmmm... looks like the news of cowher's hire was leaked before the official announcement... although this was dated on a monday. hopefully, we'll find out soon...

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...owher%2c%20Bill

Steelers Are Said To Name Cowher

Published: January 20, 1992

The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive coordinator, Bill Cowher, will be named coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in Monday's editions.

A Steeler spokesman, Joe Gordon, said the team had no comment on the report, but would make an announcement Tuesday on a successor to Chuck Noll, who has retired.

 

[Norseman]

For the Vikings sake I hope this is not true.

I agree 100%!!

 

[HellToupee]

now si.com has changed it to an announcement within the next 2 days...

Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, has been chosen as the Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach, SI.com has learned.

The official announcement is expected to come sometime in the next two days.

Tomlin, 34, impressed the Steelers during the interview process with his organization skills, intelligence and grasp of the game, according to a source familiar with the coaching search.

He would succeed Bill Cowher, who resigned Jan. 5 after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach.

Tomlin beat out Russ Grimm, 47, a Steelers assistant for six seasons and their assistant head coach for three, who had been considered the front-runner. The other finalist for the job was Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Before joining the Vikings a year ago, Tomlin had spent five years as a defensive coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that, he was a college assistant at Cincinnati, Arkansas State, Memphis and Virginia Military Institute.

Tomlin would become only the third Steelers head coach in 38 years and the NFL's sixth African-American head coach.

sounds like some contract issues getting resolved. If it's true I think its a very good hire for the Steelers

 

[beavers]

Reponse from the Rooney's:

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/07020/755575-100.stm

Steelers say they haven't hired a coach, despite SI report

Saturday, January 20, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney today denied a Sports Illustrated story that said the team had chosen Mike Tomlin as its head coach.

"There's nothing to that story on the wire," Mr. Rooney said of the account that appeared earlier today on SI.com.

Other sources, most unwilling to go on the record, also denied there was any truth to the story. Mr. Tomlin, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, denied it publicly.

"It is untrue," Mr. Tomlin told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. "I have no idea where it's coming from. I have not talked to the Rooneys today."

A source close to Russ Grimm said yesterday afternoon that he had heard nothing from the Steelers. Mr. Grimm, the team's offensive line coach and assistant head coach, is one of three finalists for the job.

The other is Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who was awaiting a second interview by the Steelers if Chicago loses in the NFC championship game tomorrow. If the Bears win, they would have to wait until Feb. 5 to talk to Mr. Rivera, 45.

Mr. Grimm, 47, could not be reached for comment but his brother Donn told the Post-Gazette from his home in Georgia that he had not talked to him today.

"I think I would have heard, if he knew anything,'' Donn Grimm said.

Michael Silver of SI.com wrote that the team would announce the hiring of Mr. Tomlin, 34, in the next two days.

Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said he read the SI.com report, but the team had nothing new to say about the search to replace Bill Cowher.

"We have heard all the rumors, and we have nothing to confirm at this point,'' Mr. Lockett said.

Asked whether the team had a news conference scheduled this weekend to announce that their search for a coach was over, Mr. Lockett said, "No, nothing planned, and we would certainly tell you and all the media if we did.''

Mr.Tomlin just finished his first year as defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. It is believed that he and Mr.Grimm are the frontrunners to replace Mr. Cowher. He resigned Jan. 5 after the Steelers ended the 2006 season with an 8-8 record, following a Super Bowl championship in February.

Mr. Cowher said he planned to spend more time with his family after coaching the Steelers for 15 years. His wife and youngest daughter moved to Raleigh, N.C., last year.

 

[Irish]

I think he is the guy and they are working on contract details and also the Rooneys wanted to inform Russ Grimm before the public announcement.

 

[Sea Bass]

I don't know who to believe anymore. We have had countless false reports from seemingly credible souces this season.

If the Steelers hire Tomlin they would have two of the greatest defensive minds in the NFL.

 

[beavers]

And the plot thickens...

http://kdka.com/video/?id=24002@kdka.dayport.com

KDKA interviewed John Silver (SI reporter who broke the story) and he stands by his story and his source that the Steelers have decided to hire Tomlin. Silver states that even though the Steelers have come to a decision on whom to hire, that does not necessarily mean that they've informed Tomlin of their decision. The Tomlin announcement would most likely come but nobody is sure of when.

 

[poopdawg]

I cant say that Im overly excited about Tomlin, but Im certainly reserving judgment. We shall welcome him with open arms if this is true. In any case, he does have some biiiiiiiiig shoes to fill.

 

[coolnerd]

Halftime East/West Shrine Game ...now Mort says that Tomlin is the coach.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Following Mortensen's lead, ESPN has now updated the story on their site and they seem to be on board with it now:

Sources: Steelers set to name Vikes' Tomlin as coach

ESPN.com news services

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to name Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin as their new head coach, ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirmed Saturday night.

Sources told Mortensen that the team would announce Tomlin as coach either Sunday or Monday. Tomlin would become only the third Steelers coach in 38 years, and the first black head coach in their 74-year history.

Tomlin, a former Tampa Bay assistant, has been the coordinator for just one season under Brad Childress in Minnesota. Before that, he was a Buccaneers' secondary coach, a five-year spell that included installation of the teams' trademark "Tampa-2" scheme. He was an assistant coach in the collegiate ranks from 1995 to 2000.

Sports Illustrated's Web site, SI.com, first reported that Pittsburgh had decided on Tomlin earlier Saturday. Steelers owner Dan Rooney told The Associated Press he had no comment. Team president Art Rooney II, leaving the team's practice complex Saturday, said he had nothing to say.

A person with knowledge of the search denied Tomlin has been hired, telling the AP that not only has the job not been offered but there have been no contract negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Steelers do not want details of the search made public until they have made their choice.

Tomlin and Grimm, the Steelers' offensive line coach and only remaining in-house candidate, both had their second interviews earlier this week. The Steelers couldn't talk to Rivera again until the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs. Chicago plays New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

The Steelers' diligence in finding Cowher's successor cost them offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, a move that leaves Grimm as the possible front-runner.

Whisenhunt, one of the NFL's top offensive coaches, took the Arizona Cardinals' job Sunday rather than waiting to see if he would be promoted by Pittsburgh. He will be officially introduced by the Cardinals at a news conference Tuesday.

While Whisenhunt was widely considered around the NFL to be Cowher's heir apparent, the Steelers gave no such indication after Cowher resigned Jan. 5. Also, they apparently didn't make a counteroffer to persuade Whisenhunt to stay.

Grimm also interviewed with the Cardinals, but unlike Whisenhunt, didn't get a second interview.

Tomlin had an excellent interview with the Steelers and, like Cowher in 1992, is an on-the-rise candidate despite being only 34 and having minimal experience as an NFL coordinator. Tomlin took over the Vikings' defense this season.

Whisenhunt may take quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple with him as offensive coordinator, meaning the two coaches who have closely worked with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the last three seasons would be gone.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

 

[fatness]

Here we go again: Steelers pick Grimm, source says

Russ Grimm has been offered and has accepted the Steelers' head coaching position, a source in Pittsburgh confirmed late Saturday.

Grimm, 47, succeeds Bill Cowher, who coached the Steelers for 15 seasons before resigning Jan. 5. The hiring of Grimm will be announced Monday at a news conference.

 

[3C's]

Amid conflicting reports that the Steelers have chosen either Mike Tomlin or Russ Grimm as their next head coach, team spokesman Dave Lockett issued a statement this morning that cleared up little.

"At this point and time, the Steelers have not concluded a contract agreement with a new head coach, nor do we expect to do so today. There will be no other announcements from this office today."