Pittsburgh Steelers Running Backs Coach Kirby Wilson Hired By Vikings
By Matt Shetler
July 26, 2012: Latrobe, PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson during training camp at St. Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Pugliese-USA TODAY Sports
UPDATE (2:30 p.m.) – As reported by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson will join the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff in some capacity.
Before officially signing with the Vikings and new coach Mike Zimmer, Wilson told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that he “got to a point in his career where I felt a change of scenery might be best for all parties.” Wilson also called the Steelers “the class of the NFL” and made a point to thank Mike Tomlin for his mentorship.
Wilson is the fifth Steelers offensive assistant to depart in some fashion since coordinator Todd Haley arrived prior to the 2012 season. Pittsburgh just signed former Titans head coach Mike Munchak to replace fired offensive line boss Jack Bicknell, Jr.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson had the opportunity to interview for the open Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator position twice during the past week, but it looks as if he will remain with the Steelers after all.
Per a source of the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, Wilson is no longer in consideration for the Ravens job, as the Ravens “are expected” to hire another one of their finalists.
Wilson called the interview process excellent and a positive experience.
"“Yeah, it was excellent,” Wilson told The Baltimore Sun on Saturday morning. “It went really well. It was very informative. They gave me a chance to present what I’m about and what I believe in and I heard what direction they want to go in and what they believe in. I was happy with the visit. I gave it my best shot.”"
Wilson said meeting with the Ravens reminded him of the family atmosphere and camaraderie fostered by the Steelers with the long tradition built by the Rooney family’s ownership.
“You get that impression right away from the Ravens,” Wilson said. “You feel that positive, professional vibe.”
Baltimore also interviewed Ravens’ receivers coach Jim Hostler and former Washington Redskins and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
With Wilson reportedly out of the running, I have to think that Shanahan is the clubhouse leader at the moment.