The first practice of OTAs kicks off today but our first piece of news circles around a new coach, not a player. The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Alan Faneca to serve as an assistant coach during OTAs and their June minicamp. The news wa first reported by lead PR man Burt Lauten.
Faneca spent 10 years in Pittsburgh, drafted in 1998 and playing until 2007. He’d spent his final three seasons with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. In total, he started 201 career games, made nine Pro Bowls, and was elected to six All-Pro Teams. He was a finalist for the Hall of Fame this year and will likely be inducted within the next two years.
It;s unclear if Faneca will stick around for training camp but the Steelers often have intern coaches helping out at St. Vincent, too. Several past Steelers have began their coaching career as an assistant with the team, eventually being promoted within or taking a job elsewhere.
A trio of Mike Munchak, Shaun Sarrett, and Faneca teaching the offensive line is about as good as it gets.
