Contrary To Previous Reports, Steelers Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians Not Fired

About those reports that Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had been axed: not so much. The National Football Post reports that if Arians wants to return to Pittsburgh, the Steelers will welcome him back. Offensive line coach Larry Zierlein has been fired, however.

While the Steelers boasted a prolific passing attack this past season, their running game stagnated, and their passing protection was spotty — particularly in the loss to the Cleveland Browns when they gave up eight sacks. In firing Zierlein and possibly retaining Arians, the Steelers appear to be giving their offensive coordinator another chance to build the type of physical, running offense typically associated with Pittsburgh.

Arians was promoted from wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator by Mike Tomlin in 2007. Pittsburgh’s points per game were up this season from last, and they were 7th in the NFL in yards per game. He also oversaw one of the best passing attacks in the league, although he seemed to lack commitment to the running game, which was ranked in the bottom half of the NFL.

Arians is the second Steelers coach to go this offseason. Earlier on Tuesday, QB coach Ken Anderson announced he is retiring.