Thinks Look Grimm in Arizona

The NFL Network and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette are reporting that Russ Grimm has accepted the position of Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach with the Arizona Cardinals.

The First Decision is a Winner - UPDATE

Update -- January 23, 2007 (11:24AM PST)
ESPN is reporting that it's official -- Bruce Arians has been promoted to offensive coordinator.

Original Posting
Call me optimistic to a fault but I'm already impressed with Mike Tomlin.

The decision to retain Dick LeBeau is a sign that Mr. Tomlin's assertions that he believes in playing fundamental football rather than being beholden to any particular scheme are certainly to be believed. While Mr. LeBeau is more than capable of coaching in a 4-3 defensive scheme if Mr. Tomlin was inclined to go in that direction, it seems very unlikely that Mr. LeBeau would be retained to implement a system in which he does not believe. Indeed, during his press conference Monday Mr. Tomlin insisted that "I think part of good coaching is doing what your guys do and what they do well." That kind of approach is the sign of a mature, confident football mind.

The other aspect of Mr. LeBeau's retention that is to be celebrated is the increased likelihood that Darren Perry will also be retained. Anyone who has read Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic with any regularity knows that Mr. Perry is a favorite here. His continued development under the tutelage of Mr. LeBeau -- someone about whom Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis said "[h]e taught me so much" -- helps ensure a smooth transition next offseason when Mr. Perry is elevated to defensive coordinator.

On the offensive side of the football, lacking any evidence to the contrary, the prediction here is that Mr. Tomlin will (like all football coaches) emphasize a strong running game. To that end the prediction here is that wide receiver coach Bruce Arians, who Ken Whisenhunt would love to bring to Phoenix, will be installed as the new Steelers offensive coordinator.

Of course Mr. Tomlin will have to replace running backs coach Dick Hoak who retired, wide receiver coach Bruce Arians who will be named offensive coordinator, special teams coach Kevin Spencer who left for Arizona, and offensive line coach Russ Grimm who is (no doubt) on his way out -- or is he? In an off-season in which the unexpected has come to pass perhaps there's one more surprise in store for all of us.

Cam Cameron Off Steelers' List - UPDATE

UPDATE - January 10, 2006 10:00AM PST

ESPN.com is reporting that Tom Coughlin is staying put in New York.

Additionally, in brief comments with Los Angeles media outlets, Pete Carrol confirmed that he spoke with Wayne Huizenga about the Miami Dolphins' head coaching position, but expects to return to USC for the 2007 season.

Original Posting
In our recent Mike Tomlin posting we pointed out that it was beginning to appear that Chargers Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron was no longer on the Steelers' list of potential head coaching candidates. Now comes pseudo-confirmation of as much from ESPN's John Clayton.

In an "ESPN Insider" article (i.e. premium content) Mr. Clayton indicates that the "Steelers didn't have enough time" to interview both Mr. Cameron and Bears Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera. Inferred in Mr. Clayton's article, and speculated upon on Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic, is the belief that Steelers perceive Ken Whisenhunt to be (at a minimum) Mr. Cameron's equal.

An email from Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic to San Diego's Communication Director Bill Johnston seeking information as to whether or not the Steelers had sought permission to speak with Mr. Cameron was not immediately answered.

The Steelers organization (along with Miami and Arizona -- the Raiders? Who knows what they're doing) are no doubt moving quickly in an effort to stay ahead of the Giants who are likely to axe Tom Coughlin, with a decision expected to be announced publicly later this week.

While it would be unfair to characterize the Steelers as cheap the Rooneys do understand the importance of bargaining leverage, and it appears that Steelers Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm has very little. Additionally, Mr. Tomlin would also be a low-cost, big potential candidate. Finally, unless Wayne Huizenga plans on hiring Ken Whisenhunt (and in the same article Mr. Clayton indicates that the Dolphins' owner is looking for a "big name" candidate, hence the flight to Costa Rica to meet with USC head coach Pete Carroll) the price for the Steelers' Offensive Coordinator may be falling as well.

Bill Cowher's Replacement: The Internal Candidates

Sunday may be Bill Cowher's last game at Heinz Field (or maybe it won't be), and the rumors are already swirling as to who will be the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic has already provided a snapshot (both figuratively and literally) of the leading external candidates, now it's time to do the same for a couple of the Steelers coaches who will also be seriously considered.


Ken Whisenhunt (44 years old) - Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator (2004-Current)

• Tight ends coach - Pittsburgh Steelers (2001-2003)
• Tight ends coach - New York Jets (2000)
• Special teams coach - Cleveland Browns (1999)
• Tight ends coach - Baltimore Ravens (1997-1998)
• Special teams, Tight ends & H-backs coach - Vanderbilt University (1995-1996)

Was all but hired for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position after Super Bowl XL before unexpectedly pulling out of consideration. Before the disaster that was the first half of the 2006 season the Steelers' offense had steadily improved under Whisenhunt -- who picked up where Mike Mularkey left off -- becoming more diverse and dynamic (i.e. they could run and pass with equal effectiveness).



Russ Grimm (46 years old) - Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach - Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-Current)

• Offensive line coach - Pittsburgh Steelers (2001-2003)
• Offensive line coach - Washington Redskins (1997-2000)
• Tight ends coach - Washington Redskins (1992-1996)

The only assistant coach under Bill Cowher to ever have been given the "Assistant Head Coach" title, which he received after nearly getting the head coaching position in Chicago -- that went instead to Lovie Smith. Was seriously considered for the head coach position in Detroit this past offseason, but was reportedly not one of the finalists for the job (it came down to Jim Haslett and Rod Marinelli). Under Mr. Grimm's leadership the Steelers offensive line has -- except for this season -- been one of the very best in the NFL.



Darren Perry (38 years old) - Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive backs coach (2004-2006)

• Assistant defensive backs coach -- Pittsburgh Steelers (2003)
• Safeties coach - Cincinnati Bengals (2002)

There is no way Darren Perry is going to be hired as the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the next head coach should choose Mr. Perry as the next Defensive Coordinator for the team. His work with the secondary, especially with the injuries suffered this season to Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark, and the free agent loss of Chris Hope, has been outstanding.