mesaSteeler
01-07-2010, 05:35 AM
Zierlein out, Arians likely in with Steelers
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_661043.html#
By Scott Brown
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Larry Zierlein is out as the Steelers' offensive line coach, but Bruce Arians is apparently staying for at least one more season as the team's offensive coordinator.
Zierlein, the first member of Mike Tomlin's staff to get fired since Tomlin took over as coach of the Steelers in 2007, cleaned out his office Wednesday. He left the team's South Side practice facility shortly after noon yesterday carrying several boxes.
"Shocked and disappointed," Steelers left guard Chris Kemoeatu said of Zierlein's dismissal. "We've been through a lot with Coach Z. He's like a father figure to us."
Starting right tackle Willie Colon said he was "somewhat shocked" about Zierlein getting fired.
"He was 100 percent committed to making us better," Colon said.
The Steelers did not make an official announcement regarding their staff on Wednesday.
Uncertainty has hung over the Steelers since Tuesday, when Tomlin said he was considering making changes to his coaching staff after the team went 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
Kemoeatu arrived at the practice facility yesterday afternoon expecting to meet with Zierlein.
Instead, Arians, whom 1250 ESPN reported Tuesday was in serious jeopardy of losing his job, gave Kemoeatu the news about Zierlein's dismissal.
Arians also told Kemoeatu to take care of his body and get ready for next season. Kemoeatu took their meeting as a strong signal that Arians will return next season.
Tomlin may not make any more changes to his staff, although he has yet to talk to all of his assistant coaches individually. Tomlin has been conducting exit interviews with his players and coaches all week.
The Steelers had already lost quarterback coach Ken Anderson to retirement before Tomlin parted ways with Zierlein, whom he coached with at the University of Cincinnati in 1999-2000.
During his three seasons with the Steelers, Zierlein had been a target for criticism for several reasons. The Steelers have not had an overpowering running game, and the offensive line has struggled in short-yardage situations.
It also hasn't distinguished itself when it comes to keeping franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright. Roethlisberger, a fierce defender of the offensive line, has been sacked 156 times since 2007, which includes the playoffs.
Tomlin said earlier this week that he will "rectify" the number of hits Roethlisberger takes.
That may have factored into his decision to go in another direction when it comes to the offensive line.
"You don't wish that on anyone," Kemoeatu said of Zierlein's firing. "This is the business side of the NFL."
That reality didn't make it any easier for Kemoeatu, who seemed like he has taken the equivalent of a blind-side hit late yesterday afternoon.
The 6-3, 344-pounder became a starter in 2008, taking over for perennial Pro Bowler Alan Faneca at left guard, and he has developed into a premier run-blocker.
Kemoeatu, who is a fourth alternate at guard for the AFC Pro Bowl team, said Zierlein played a significant role in his growth.
"I'm not a real vocal guy," said Kemoeatu, who turned 27 on Monday. "Coach Z was really one of the guys that had to make me talk."
Kemoeatu couldn't help but wonder what would have happened with Zierlein had the Steelers made the playoffs and made another run at the Super Bowl.
"We deserve better than this season," he said, "and coach Z deserved better than this."
Staff writer John Harris contributed to this report.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_661043.html#
By Scott Brown
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Larry Zierlein is out as the Steelers' offensive line coach, but Bruce Arians is apparently staying for at least one more season as the team's offensive coordinator.
Zierlein, the first member of Mike Tomlin's staff to get fired since Tomlin took over as coach of the Steelers in 2007, cleaned out his office Wednesday. He left the team's South Side practice facility shortly after noon yesterday carrying several boxes.
"Shocked and disappointed," Steelers left guard Chris Kemoeatu said of Zierlein's dismissal. "We've been through a lot with Coach Z. He's like a father figure to us."
Starting right tackle Willie Colon said he was "somewhat shocked" about Zierlein getting fired.
"He was 100 percent committed to making us better," Colon said.
The Steelers did not make an official announcement regarding their staff on Wednesday.
Uncertainty has hung over the Steelers since Tuesday, when Tomlin said he was considering making changes to his coaching staff after the team went 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
Kemoeatu arrived at the practice facility yesterday afternoon expecting to meet with Zierlein.
Instead, Arians, whom 1250 ESPN reported Tuesday was in serious jeopardy of losing his job, gave Kemoeatu the news about Zierlein's dismissal.
Arians also told Kemoeatu to take care of his body and get ready for next season. Kemoeatu took their meeting as a strong signal that Arians will return next season.
Tomlin may not make any more changes to his staff, although he has yet to talk to all of his assistant coaches individually. Tomlin has been conducting exit interviews with his players and coaches all week.
The Steelers had already lost quarterback coach Ken Anderson to retirement before Tomlin parted ways with Zierlein, whom he coached with at the University of Cincinnati in 1999-2000.
During his three seasons with the Steelers, Zierlein had been a target for criticism for several reasons. The Steelers have not had an overpowering running game, and the offensive line has struggled in short-yardage situations.
It also hasn't distinguished itself when it comes to keeping franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright. Roethlisberger, a fierce defender of the offensive line, has been sacked 156 times since 2007, which includes the playoffs.
Tomlin said earlier this week that he will "rectify" the number of hits Roethlisberger takes.
That may have factored into his decision to go in another direction when it comes to the offensive line.
"You don't wish that on anyone," Kemoeatu said of Zierlein's firing. "This is the business side of the NFL."
That reality didn't make it any easier for Kemoeatu, who seemed like he has taken the equivalent of a blind-side hit late yesterday afternoon.
The 6-3, 344-pounder became a starter in 2008, taking over for perennial Pro Bowler Alan Faneca at left guard, and he has developed into a premier run-blocker.
Kemoeatu, who is a fourth alternate at guard for the AFC Pro Bowl team, said Zierlein played a significant role in his growth.
"I'm not a real vocal guy," said Kemoeatu, who turned 27 on Monday. "Coach Z was really one of the guys that had to make me talk."
Kemoeatu couldn't help but wonder what would have happened with Zierlein had the Steelers made the playoffs and made another run at the Super Bowl.
"We deserve better than this season," he said, "and coach Z deserved better than this."
Staff writer John Harris contributed to this report.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.