PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to name Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin as their new head coach, ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirmed Saturday night.

Sources told Mortensen that the team would announce Tomlin as coach either Sunday or Monday. Tomlin would become only the third Steelers coach in 38 years, and the first black head coach in their 74-year history.

Tomlin, a former Tampa Bay assistant, has been the coordinator for just one season under Brad Childress in Minnesota. Before that, he was a Buccaneers' secondary coach, a five-year spell that included installation of the teams' trademark "Tampa-2" scheme. He was an assistant coach in the collegiate ranks from 1995 to 2000.

Sports Illustrated's Web site, SI.com, first reported that Pittsburgh had decided on Tomlin earlier Saturday. Steelers owner Dan Rooney told The Associated Press he had no comment. Team president Art Rooney II, leaving the team's practice complex Saturday, said he had nothing to say.

A person with knowledge of the search denied Tomlin has been hired, telling the AP that not only has the job not been offered but there have been no contract negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Steelers do not want details of the search made public until they have made their choice.

Tomlin and Grimm, the Steelers' offensive line coach and only remaining in-house candidate, both had their second interviews earlier this week. The Steelers couldn't talk to Rivera again until the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs. Chicago plays New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

The Steelers' diligence in finding Cowher's successor cost them offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, a move that leaves Grimm as the possible front-runner.

Whisenhunt, one of the NFL's top offensive coaches, took the Arizona Cardinals' job Sunday rather than waiting to see if he would be promoted by Pittsburgh. He will be officially introduced by the Cardinals at a news conference Tuesday.

While Whisenhunt was widely considered around the NFL to be Cowher's heir apparent, the Steelers gave no such indication after Cowher resigned Jan. 5. Also, they apparently didn't make a counteroffer to persuade Whisenhunt to stay.

Grimm also interviewed with the Cardinals, but unlike Whisenhunt, didn't get a second interview.

Tomlin had an excellent interview with the Steelers and, like Cowher in 1992, is an on-the-rise candidate despite being only 34 and having minimal experience as an NFL coordinator. Tomlin took over the Vikings' defense this season.

Whisenhunt may take quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple with him as offensive coordinator, meaning the two coaches who have closely worked with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the last three seasons would be gone.

I saw that too, but both parties as of this morning were denying the reports. That would be a big loss for the vikings, he finally had the vikings defense on the right track.

I saw that too, but both parties as of this morning were denying the reports. That would be a big loss for the vikings, he finally had the vikings defense on the right track.Yeah, nothings for sure with the naming a new head coach yet. My local newspaper is saying they hired Russ Grimm

I saw that too, but both parties as of this morning were denying the reports. That would be a big loss for the vikings, he finally had the vikings defense on the right track.


How would it be a big loss if the Vikings finished the 2006 season under .500?

How would it be a big loss if the Vikings finished the 2006 season under .500?

Because this was the best season for the Vikings, defensively, in well over 10 years. They were #1 against the run in the NFL this season.

Because this was the best season for the Vikings, defensively, in well over 10 years. They were #1 against the run in the NFL this season.


So being number 1 in RUN DEFENSE is better than reaching the playoffs?

Because this was the best season for the Vikings, defensively, in well over 10 years. They were #1 against the run in the NFL this season.Dutabi, what do you think of Tomlin as a head coach?

So being number 1 in RUN DEFENSE is better than reaching the playoffs?

Is it the Defensive Coordinator's job to lead a team to the playoffs? No. The point is, he turned the Vikings defense from being at the bottom of the league to being one of the better defenses. If the offense didn't suck so bad this year, they would absolutely be in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it isn't the DC's job to run the offense.

Is it the Defensive Coordinator's job to lead a team to the playoffs? No. The point is, he turned the Vikings defense from being at the bottom of the league to being one of the better defenses. If the offense didn't suck so bad this year, they would absolutely be in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it isn't the DC's job to run the offense.


I don't want to hear nothing about STATS. If the Defense had done it's job then they would have been in the playoffs. No Defensive Coordinator deserves to be praised if the Organization as a WHOLE didn't accomplish the Goal of reaching the playoffs.

Dutabi, what do you think of Tomlin as a head coach?

Well, I don't know what he can bring to the team offensively. But, I'm sure if he can get the Tampa 2 scheme to work in Minnesota, he can get it to work in Pittsburgh, since the defense is already pretty good to begin with.

Well, I don't know what he can bring to the team offensively. But, I'm sure if he can get the Tampa 2 scheme to work in Minnesota, he can get it to work in Pittsburgh, since the defense is already pretty good to begin with.Well, I don't know if he's going to be the Coach yet but if he is named i'm sure he will change the Steeler Defense to the Tampa 2. I don't know how i feel abt that, the Steeler D is pretty awesome now.

I don't want to hear nothing about STATS. If the Defense had done it's job then they would have been in the playoffs. No Defensive Coordinator deserves to be praised if the Organization as a WHOLE didn't accomplish the Goal of reaching the playoffs.

So let's say the Vikings made it into the playoffs, and won the super bowl, while having one of the worst defenses in the league. Would Tomlin be even more worthy of having a head coaching job?

So let's say the Vikings made it into the playoffs, and won the super bowl, while having one of the worst defenses in the league. Would Tomlin be even more worthy of having a head coaching job?


Well what did the Defense do against the Pass?

Well what did the Defense do against the Pass?

Well, since the running defense was so awesome (2.8 yards per rush), teams were forced to pass on them more often, which of course means more yards. They gave up a lot of yards, but actually only gave up 15 passing touchdowns all year, while intercepting 21 passes.

Overall, the Vikings were 8th in the NFL in yards given up, and 7th in TDs allowed.

Well, since the running defense was so awesome (2.8 yards per rush), teams were forced to pass on them more often, which of course means more yards. They gave up a lot of yards, but actually only gave up 15 passing touchdowns all year, while intercepting 21 passes.

Overall, the Vikings were 8th in the NFL in yards given up, and 7th in TDs allowed.


I just saw that they only gave up 31 points ONCE in 2006 but they did give up 26 points to the Cardinals

Perhaps we jumped the gun a little early???

How would it be a big loss if the Vikings finished the 2006 season under .500?


It would be a big loss because the vikings defense was an up & coming unit... one of the best run defenses in the league, they just need to fix that secondary & that D will be pretty darn good. He did a good job with that defense

Because this was the best season for the Vikings, defensively, in well over 10 years. They were #1 against the run in the NFL this season.


Thank you

So being number 1 in RUN DEFENSE is better than reaching the playoffs?


Tomlin did his part, its not his fault the QB stinks & they have recievers that drop more balls than ME O