Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Interviewed Former Titans Coach Mike Munchak
By Matt Gajtka
Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak watches from the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the second half at LP Field. The Titans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Now that we know longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler isn’t going anywhere, it’s time to focus on who the Pittsburgh Steelers might bring in to fill their vacant offensive line coaching position.
Perhaps the most intriguing option to warm up Jack Bicknell’s old seat is the most recent to talk to the Steelers: former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and several others, the Steelers interviewed Munchak, who was the Oilers/Titans offensive line coach from 1997 to 2010, about their open spot on Friday. The 53-year-old Munchak, a native of Scranton, Pa., was the Houston Oilers’ first-round pick in 1982 after a stellar four years at Penn State.
A nine-time Pro Bowler, Munchak played 12 seasons for the Oilers in his Hall of Fame career. He then coached 17 seasons for the same franchise that drafted him before ascending to the head job in 2011. Munchak was fired earlier this month after compiling a 22-26 record in Tennessee.
Despite his unceremonious end with the Titans, Munchak could be considered overqualified to coach the Steelers’ offensive line. Nevertheless, if he truly wants to move back behind the scenes, Pittsburgh’s young group could be an ideal situation.
Although the offensive line got off to a rough start when starting center Maurkice Pouncey was lost for the season in the opener, it progressed into competence late in the year, especially in the pass-protection department. Led by Pouncey and promising guard David DeCastro, the unit has the potential to improve further under the proper guidance.
Munchak could definitely provide that, although it wouldn’t be far-fetched for him to take a more prestigious job elsewhere.