Pittsburgh Steelers GM makes stunning decision about his future

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be under new leadership next year.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert is stepping down after the NFL Draft, owner Art Rooney II told reporters on Friday. Rooney said the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

However, Rooney added that Colbert could stay with the organization in a reduced capacity, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. He also confirmed the team interviewed two people already.

“We have left the door open, Kevin and I, to possibly have him fill an ongoing role after the draft,” Rooney said. “We will be conducting a search for a new GM starting immediately. Probably won’t make a hire until after the draft. We will be interviewing people. We’ve already interviewed two of our in-house candidates: Omar Khan and Brandon Hunt.”

Colbert has been with the Steelers since 2000, starting as director of football operations from 2000-10. His title changed to general manager from 2010-16 and he added vice president from 2016-21.

The news comes the same week quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement, meaning the Steelers is going to see plenty of changes next season. Pittsburgh went 9-7-1 and earned an appearance in the AFC Wild Card Round. The Steelers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 42-21 on Jan. 16.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger announces retirement after 18-year career

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and team legend Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt video Thursday after 18 years. The 2021 campaign was widely anticipated to be his last, prompting fond farewells from Steelers fans and rivals alike in the final weeks of the season.

Ben Roethlisberger played his full career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they used the No. 11 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft on a quarterback from Miami (Ohio). The decision quickly paid off as the franchise cornerstone made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2004 after winning the MAC Most Valuable Player of the Year award in his final collegiate season.

Over the course of his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns and 211 interceptions. He also added 1,373 rushing yards – mostly in his younger years – and 20 more touchdowns.

Known for his tough demeanor and ability to fight off hits from the NFL’s biggest and strongest defenders, he exemplified the Pittsburgh Steelers mentality established decades before his arrival. That combination of grit and a natural gift for leadership helped guide Roethlisberger and the Steelers to two Super Bowl trophies in 2005 and 2008.

In addition, Roethlisberger became a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL passing yards leader. He holds NFL records for most career 500-yard passing games with four and most completions in a regular or postseason game with 47.