The Steelers made a bit of a shocking move on Thursday, as today the team announced they have fired special teams coordinator Al Everest.
He is replaced him with former assistant special teams coach Amos Jones.
Everest, who held his position since 2010, presided over units that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in kick return, punt return and net punting average yardage last season.
Everest was about to enter his 16th season as an NFL special teams coach.
“We are continually evaluating our coaching staff and support staff, and we have decided to go in a different direction with respect to the coaching of our special teams,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “I want to thank Al for his contributions and efforts, and I wish him well in the future.”
Jones was on Tomlin’s original staff in 2007, first as an assistant to special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky before staying on to work under Everest for the Steelers.
Different direction is an interesting term to use, and it remains to be seen what the difference will be with Jones over Everest.
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Thomas Crowley
August 23, 2012 at 9:11 pm
A odd move for this point of the year
SBSteelers
August 23, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Always the same statement – We want to make an announcement that we decided to change our (blank). We wish (blank) well for the years of service to our organization. We are going in a different direction and we are always evaluating our (fill in the blank).
Next time, just post a cardboard Mike Tomlin with the above blanks filled in, and a tape recorder next to cardboard Mike. Then Tomlin won’t have to waste his valuable time with this same old stuff.
DrGeorge
August 24, 2012 at 9:22 am
Mr. Crowley, for once I agree with you — the timing of this firing is very odd. Everest did improve the special teams after he arrived. In recent years, his return teams ranked in the bottom half of the league, according to published reports, but that was true before training camp started. If that was the reason, Everest should have been terminated months ago. It is very unusual to fire a coach in preseason. There is more to this story than reported.
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