Gerry: The case of three departed assistant coaches

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 10:33

Written by Gerry Dulac

            There appears to be a perception that the departure of three Steelers assistant coaches – none of whom were fired – is the football equivalent of rats deserting a sinking ship.

            And that view is completely understandable.

            But, upon closer and individual inspection, the decisions of offensive line coach Sean Kugler, special teams coach Amos Jones and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomerie appear to be made because of opportunities that were more appealing to them.

            And none were made because of any conflict or dissatisfaction with Coach Mike Tomlin.

            Kugler announced during the season he was leaving to become head coach at his alma mater, Texas-El Paso, where he both played and coach. The chance to go back to his old school was too good to pass up. Plus, he made the decision to leave before the outcome of the Steelers season was determined.

            What if the Steelers made the playoffs and made an improbable run to the Super Bowl, like the Ravens? Nobody would have accused Kugler of leaving a sinking ship then.

            Jones was the team’s special teams assistant coach who stepped in to run the unit when Al Everest was fired during the preseason because of personal issues. Jones was an original member of Tomlin’s staff and calls Tomlin “a great young coach” who is “fabulous to work for.” He was going to be retained by Tomlin for the 2012 season.

            But he left to become special teams coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals because he received a longer contract with more money, not to mention his friendship with new Cardinals Coach Bruce Arians.

            Montgomerie’s decision to leave to become offensive coordinator at Duke, his alma mater, might appear to be the most curious because he is going back to the college level. But Montgomerie was said to very friendly with Tomlin and, according to one assistant coach, was reluctant to leave Duke the first time to join the Steelers.

            Of course, sometimes what Tomlin wants and what actually transpires are two different things. Just ask Arians.