(Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Mike Tomlin's coaching staff will look a lot different in 2021. It was announced on Thursday morning that the team didn't renew the contracts for offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley. Then later in the day, the Steelers announced that longtime tight ends coach James Daniel has retired.
Daniels was hired as the tight ends coach by Bill Cowher in 2004 and held the position for 17 seasons. Daniels was a part of the 2005 and 2008 Super Bowl champion teams and played a big role in developing Heath Miller as the franchise's best tight end ever.
"I wish James all the best in his retirement following a long, productive coaching career in the National Football League," Mike Tomlin said in a statement via Steelers.com. "I worked with JD for the past 14 years and he coached a bunch of great tight ends, not only here in Pittsburgh but also in Atlanta and New York. His experience provided our tight ends group and our coaching staff with invaluable lessons throughout his career. He has been a tremendous part of our staff from my first day and I wish nothing but continued success in his retirement."