Pittsburgh Steelers Taking Care of Their Own
In another sign of trust and franchises stability, the Pittsburgh Steelers locked in GM Kevin Colbert early Saturday morning. Colbert, whose held the title for over four years, is now under team control until the end of the 2018 NFL season.
#Steelers prez Art Rooney II: “Kevin (Colbert’s) work and footprint on our football operations have been a key factor in our success.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2015
Colbert is entering his 16th season with the Steelers organization, serving as the director of football operations for his first 11 years. In Colbert’s 15 seasons with the Steelers, he has helped assemble two Super Bowls teams (XL and XLIII), three AFC Championships, seven division titles, earned nine playoff berths and had 11 winning seasons. He’s played an intricate part in resigning key franchise figures, such as Ben Roesthlisberger.
"“I am truly grateful to Art and Mr. Rooney for the opportunity to continue my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert said. “It is with great anticipation that we enter into the 2015 season in pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”"
Colbert’s extension comes the same week the team locked up Head Coach Mike Tomlin to a lucrative deal. According to an ESPN source, the deal puts Tomlin within the top five in head coaching deals. Tomlin’s won 64 percent of his games, including a 56% playoff win percentage. In his eight year tenure with the Black and Gold, he’s never had a losing season. Tomlin took the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 with a 27-23 victory against the Cardinals.
"“Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship,” president Art Rooney II said in a statement."
Tomlin expressed great appreciation towards the Rooney family, who have owned the team since the teams inception in 1933.
"“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season. These past nine years in Pittsburgh have been a wonderful experience for my family, and I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers‘ goal every year — bringing another Super Bowl championship to the City of Pittsburgh.”"
Both of these moves provides an unusual amount of stability not seen in an NFL franchise. To have a successful head coach and general manager locked in long term shows the great commitment and dedication exhibited by the Rooneys. There’s a reason Art Rooney II is one of the more respected owners in professional sports.