Steelers coordinator Bruce Arians might not return in 2012

The Steelers coaching staff could undergo its first major change in the Mike Tomlin era because offensive coordinator Bruce Arians might not return in 2012, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has learned.

Arians, 57, is in the final year of his contract with the Steelers, and it is unclear if he is retiring -- something he considered last year -- or not having his contract renewed.

Arians has been the offensive coordinator since Tomlin became head coach in 2007. He was told last week by Tomlin that he would return in 2012, and Tomlin even indicated as much in a press conference one day after the Steelers' playoff loss in Denver.

However, team president Art Rooney II indicated on Tuesday that some members of the coaching staff were considering retirement.

Arians considered retiring after the 2010 season because of health problems and other issues. He even skipped attending the NFL combine in February while he mulled his decision.



First published on January 18, 2012 at 7:50 pm