Steelers' Grimm to interview with Browns

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:42 am

Steelers' Grimm to interview with Browns; Colbert not interested
ALAN ROBINSON
Associated Press

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers assistant head coach Russ Grimm will interview this week for the Cleveland Browns' coaching vacancy.

The Browns asked for and received permission to talk with Grimm, the Steelers said Tuesday.

Cleveland is seeking a replacement for Butch Davis, who resigned Nov. 30 with five games left in the season after going 24-36 in three-plus seasons - 3-8 this season. Davis also was in charge of player personnel decisions, but the team now plans to hire a general manager.

Cleveland also wanted to talk with Pittsburgh director of football operations Kevin Colbert about that job, but the Steelers turned down that request. The Steelers said Colbert did not express interest in the position.

Grimm, a four-time Pro Bowl lineman with the Washington Redskins, has been the Steelers' offensive line coach for four seasons. He added the title of assistant head coach this season after being one of two finalists for the Chicago Bears' coaching job, which went to Lovie Smith.

The Bears' job was the first the 45-year-old Grimm sought as a head coach.

Cleveland reportedly plans to also interview Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress and Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel for its coaching job.

The Steelers have a first-round bye this week, so the Browns are permitted by NFL rules to talk with Grimm this week. They could not have conducted the interview during the week of a playoff game.

Grimm, a former star center at Pitt, was the Redskins' tight ends coach from 1992-96 before coaching their offensive linemen from 1997-2000. He played in four Super Bowls during his 11-year career with Washington, winning three times.

Grimm is considered one of the NFL's best offensive line coaches and has been praised frequently by coach Bill Cowher for his work this season.

After slipping to No. 31 in rushing last season during a one-season flirtation with a pass-heavy offense, the Steelers returned to their traditional power running game this season and are second to Atlanta in rushing. Steelers guard Alan Faneca and center Jeff Hartings were selected for the Pro Bowl.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercuryn ... tstory.jsp

Skinsfan55 · Post by **Skinsfan55** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 10:48 am

Why couldn't we talk to him last year? Maybe Grimm can be our offensive coordinator!

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:40 pm

I believe we tried to talk to him but the Steelers promoted him.

Redskin Stouff · Post by **Redskin Stouff** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:23 pm

Gibbs did want to interview Grimm, but the Steeler's made him an Assistant Head Coach, so they could retain him. Too bad.

I wouldn't wish the Cleveland job on anyone, but can you imagine Grimm dealing with Winslow?

joebagadonuts · Post by **joebagadonuts** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:32 pm

i was wondering how an o-line coach gets the 'assistant head coach' title. seemed a bit odd to me.