Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is reportedly retiring according to the Steelers official Twitter account. Arians has been the Steelers offensive coordinator since 2007 after being promoted from wide receivers coach after Ken Whisenhunt left to become the Arizona Cardinals head coach.
Arians had contemplated retirement last offseason because of health reasons and was reportedly talked into coming back in 2011 by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Head coach Mike Tomlin announced the news today about Arians.
The search now begins for a new offensive coordinator and it might start in house with quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner. Other candidates could be Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, who served as Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks coach for three seasons (2001-03) under Bill Cowher. Other names that might be considered are former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, former Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson and former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.
Below is the statement from Tomlin:
Bruce Arians has informed me that he will retire from coaching. I appreciate his efforts over the past five years as the team’s offensive coordinator and for helping lead our offense to new heights during his time with the Steelers. I am grateful to Bruce for contributing to our success and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.
