Mike Tomlin won't be 'shocked' if there are changes to his coaching staff

Mike Tomlin began conducting exit interviews with his Pittsburgh Steelers players Tuesday, meeting first with players on the practice squad, rookies and those with expiring contracts.

After talking to his veteran players, Tomlin will move on to evaluating his assistant coaches.

Following an 8-8 season, changes to Tomlin’s staff could be forthcoming.

Ray Sherman could go back into retirement after agreeing to serve as interim wide receivers coach following the death of Darryl Drake in August. That would create an opening.

“I understand change is part of the business,” Tomlin said. “I wouldn’t be shocked if there is some movement and changes. That’s just part of this business, particularly in 2019.”

Tomlin made several changes after the 2018 season when the Steelers also missed the playoffs with a 9-6-1 record. Running backs coach James Saxon and outside linebackers coach Joey Porter were not retained. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak took the same position with the Denver Broncos.

Teryl Austin was added to the staff as a senior defensive assistant/secondary coach, and defensive coordinator Keith Butler took on Porter’s responsibilities.

Shaun Sarrett was promoted to offensive line coach upon Munchak’s departure, and Eddie Faulkner was hired to replace Saxon.

The previous offseason, the Steelers added Tom Bradley (defensive backs), Drake and Karl Dunbar (defensive line) and promoted Randy Fichtner from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator.

Among the other assistants, Keith Butler has served as defensive coordinator since 2015, Danny Smith as been in charge of special teams since 2013, James Daniel has coached tight ends since 2004 and Jerry Olsavsky has coached inside linebackers since 2015.

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