(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Steelers president Art Rooney II had his annual season-ending interview with members of the Pittsburgh media, and he revealed that general manager Kevin Colbert will step down after the 2022 NFL Draft, which was expected. Rooney said the Steelers will start conducting outside interviews immediately.
Rooney also mentioned that Colbert is interested in remaining in a reduced capacity this season. Colbert, 65, has been going on a year-to-year basis with the Steelers since 2019. Colbert has been with the Steelers since 2000.
Rooney said he has already interviewed internal candidates Omar Khan and Brandon Hunt for the general manager position, who have both been mentioned as possible replacements for Colbert for years. Rooney said he will not hesitate to go outside the organization to find the most qualified candidate to replace Colbert, however.
Khan interviewed for the Bears general manager position this past Monday, but the Bears ended up hiring Chiefs’ assistant director of player personnel Ryan Poles. Hunt also interviewed for the Raiders general manager job on Wednesday.
Khan has been in the Steelers front office since 2001 and has been the vice president of football and business operations since 2016. Khan is highly regarded by the Steelers for his ability to maneuver the salary cap.
Hunt has been the Steelers pro scouting coordinator for the last 12 seasons. Hunt has a similar background to Colbert and is considered as more of a talent evaluator than Khan, who is more on the business side of things.