The Facts: Following up on the previous item. ... With OC Bruce Arians out, it might increase the chances that Ward returns for one more season. Whether you agree with the move or not, the fact is that Ward's reduced status came at the request of the offensive coordinator, who had been trying to make that move for awhile.
Diehards Line:This according to Post-Gazette staffer Ed Bouchette, who added that Tomlin will begin his search for a new coordinator at the Senior Bowl in Mobile next week. It's the NFL's greatest job-seeking convention with every coach but those in the playoffs there and many others out of jobs and looking for one. ... Meanwhile, Bouchette went on to suggest if Arians truly retired -- and wasn't forced out, Tomlin had to sign off on it. Even if Art Rooney and GM Kevin Colbert wanted Arians fired, Tomlin could have dug in his heels, as he did two years ago when Arians was practically out the door before Ben Roethlisberger helped reel him back in. If Arians was pushed out, Bouchette notes it would not be the first time Tomlin received "advice" on his coaching staff. He "hired" about half of Bill Cowher's staff when he joined the Steelers in 2007.