The Tomlin-Whisenhunt-Grimm Subplot
PHOENIX--One of the main storylines as the Super Bowl approaches will be the dynamic between the two head coaches, the Arizona Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt and the Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin.
Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm also factors into that subplot.
All three were candidates for the Steelers' head coaching job when Tomlin was hired to succeed Bill Cowher.
Whisenhunt had been Cowher's offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, and Grimm had been his offensive line coach. Both helped the Steelers to the Super Bowl title that they won under Cowher in the 2005 season. Whisenhunt called the trick play that sealed the Super Bowl triumph, a touchdown pass from Antwaan Randle El to fellow wide receiver Hines Ward.
When Cowher left the Steelers after the 2006 season, it initially was expected that either Whisenhunt or Grimm would be promoted to replace him. But Tomlin, then the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, became a factor during the interviewing process. Whisenhunt exited to take the head coaching job in Arizona.
Grimm and Tomlin were the Steelers' finalists. There was a report in Pittsburgh in the final stages of deliberations that Grimm would get the job. But he didn't. It went to Tomlin instead. Grimm joined Whisenhunt with the Cardinals, and now all three men will converge in Tampa, Fla., next week.
By
Mark Maske
|
January 19, 2009; 12:50 AM ET
| Category:
Cardinals
,
Steelers
,
Super Bowl
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