Steelers shuffle coaches
PITTSBURGH — Darren Perry, the Steelers' defensive secondary coach since 2003, resigned following a meeting with new coach Mike Tomlin.
Ray Horton, the assistant defensive backs coach the last three seasons, might remain on the staff despite the head coaching change from Bill Cowher to Tomlin.
Perry, a former Steelers safety, was an assistant defensive backfield coach in 2003, then took over as the defensive backs coach in 2004 with Horton as his assistant. Perry returned to Pittsburgh from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Wednesday night after giving his resignation to Tomlin earlier in the day.
Perry starred at Penn State, then started at safety for seven consecutive seasons with Pittsburgh after being taken in the eighth round of the 1992 draft. He finished his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2000.
The Steelers have not announced any staff changes, additions or firings since Tomlin was hired Monday. However, Tomlin said Dick LeBeau would remain as the defensive coordinator and Bruce Arians would be promoted from receivers coach to offensive coordinator.
Ken Anderson, a former Bengals quarterback and offensive coordinator, will replace Mark Whipple as the quarterbacks coach. Tomlin wanted to make a change after Ben Roethlisberger's play dropped off significantly last season following his outstanding first two NFL seasons.Anderson was the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterbacks coach the last four seasons but was let go Jan. 2.Tomlin still must add a running backs coach and designate a secondary coach.Tomlin is expected to keep Keith Butler as linebackers coach, James Daniel as the tight ends coach and Chet Fuhrman as the conditioning coordinator.
