BlitzburghRockCity
01-23-2007, 01:18 AM
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07023/755980-66.stm
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.
I hate seeing Grimm leave, he was one of the guys. A coach who hung out with other coaches and players on a regular basis and had a good feel for the team. That could very well have been the deciding factor or atleast one of them that Grimm was too closely connected to the players and other coaches to take a commanding role as HC and still keep his priorities together.
Good luck Russ, we'll miss you and thanks for everything !
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.
I hate seeing Grimm leave, he was one of the guys. A coach who hung out with other coaches and players on a regular basis and had a good feel for the team. That could very well have been the deciding factor or atleast one of them that Grimm was too closely connected to the players and other coaches to take a commanding role as HC and still keep his priorities together.
Good luck Russ, we'll miss you and thanks for everything !