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.
