Bobby April signs with Eagles
After the Steelers fired former special teams coach Bob Ligashesky, many believed that former Steelers special teams coach Bob April might replace him. April had opted out of the final year of his contract with the Buffalo Bills after the Bills informed their entire coaching staff that they should begin searching for new jobs.
April, who coached the Steelers special teams from 1994 – 1995 is considered to be one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL.
Most observers thought that the Steelers and the Washington Redskins had the inside track on obtaining April’s services. However, the Philadelphia Eagles quietly slipped in and stole April away from his other suitors.
The Steelers are interviewing San Francisco 49ers special teams coordinator Al Everest today for their still vacant position.
Other Steelers coaching moves
The Steelers did land another former Buffalo Bills coach. Sean Kugler has been hired as the Steelers new offensive line coach, replacing Larry Zierlein.
New OL Coach Sean Kugler
Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler turned down the defensive coordinator job that had been offered to him by the Miami Dolphins. Many believe that Butler is the heir apparent whenever current Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau decides to retire.
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Donald,
Could not resist commenting on this one.
I doubt seriously anyone disagreed with firing OL and ST coaches. But I have to shake my head once again on decisions made by our coaching staff.
What are we supposed to gain from Kugler for crying out loud. His OL in Buffalo churned out 4 more yards/game than the Steelers and they allowed a whopping 46 sacks, just 4 shy of the Steelers. And those sacks can’t be blamed on a QB that “holds on to the ball way too long”.
It’s good to see that Tomlin and company are taking steps toward protecting Ben and establishing a better run game.
Now, on Everest. He was let go by San Fran because they had a pitiful return game and ranked 26th in starting field position on kick offs. Enough said. Why are they even spending time on such a coach? How about an up and coming college ST coach who would love to play for a 6 time SB Champion?
Signed,
Disgusted
1oops, that should read, “who would love to coach for a 6 time SB Champion.”
Although, maybe we need a coach that could play too. LOL
2