Tampa Bay sets interview with Olsavsky
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Jerry Olsavsky, left, has spent two seasons as a Steelers assistant.
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Jerry Olsavsky not only played nine seasons with the Steelers, he has spent the past two seasons as a defensive assistant on Mike Tomlin's staff.
Had linebackers coach Keith Butler decided to go to Indianapolis as the Colts' defensive coordinator, Olsavsky, 43, would have been the likely candidate to replace him.
But Butler's decision to remain with the Steelers could influence what happens with Olsavsky, who will be interviewed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today or Friday to become linebackers coach.
Such a move would be a promotion for Olsavsky, who would be the second young assistant from Tomlin's staff to leave. Harold Goodwin, an assistant offensive line coach, left to become offensive line coach with the Colts.
Running backs coach Kirby Wilson, severely burned in a fire at his home Jan. 6, remains in serious but stable condition at UPMC Mercy's Trauma Burn Center.
In a statement released Wednesday by the Steelers, Wilson's family said "he has started his physical rehabilitation. The Wilson family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support."
Wilson would have been the likely successor to succeed Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator. It is not known how his condition could affect Tomlin's decision to hire an offensive coordinator.
Tomlin already has interviewed two former head coaches -- Jim Caldwell (Indianapolis) and Todd Haley (Kansas City) -- for the position. But he still could choose to remain in-house and promote quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner.
Fichtner has returned from a trip to Hawaii, where he and his wife were guests of Ben Roethlisberger as a reward for Roethlisberger's selection to the Pro Bowl.
Arians refused to blame or criticize the Steelers for not renewing his contract and said he had a "great ride" in his five years as the Steelers offensive coordinator in a conference call Wednesday with Indianapolis Colts media.
"They're great people," Arians said of the Steelers. "I love these guys. I had a great relationship with these players and I'm going to miss them. I don't think people realize how young this team is. If you take Hines [Ward] out of the lineup, we don't have a guy over 30 out there [on offense]."
As for his friendly relationship with Roethlisberger, Arians said, "Ben is a superstar. The Lord gave him a ton of talent. We had a great relationship that is going to last forever."
First Published February 2, 2012 12:00 am
