Omar Khan 'ready for this challenge' after being announced as Steelers general manager

When Omar Khan arrived in Pittsburgh in 2001, he joined an organization that had hired Kevin Colbert a year earlier.

After spending more than two decades working under Colbert, Khan officially will be replacing him.

The Steelers announced Wednesday that Khan has been promoted to general manager, confirming reports that broke Tuesday night.

Khan, 45, was one of six finalists for the position and one of two in-house candidates under consideration.

“Omar has been an integral part of our Football Operations Department during his 21 years with the team,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “That experience will serve him well in his new position.”

Since 2016, Khan had served as the Steelers’ vice president of football and business administration, his primary responsibility revolving around contract negotiations and managing the salary cap.

“I am ready for this challenge and grateful to continue the success we have had on the field during my first 21 years,” Khan said in a statement. “I look forward to completing our football operations staff and working tirelessly to build another championship football team for Steelers Nation and our community.”

The Steelers are expected to hire Mt. Lebanon native Andy Weidl, a Philadelphia Eagles executive, as assistant general manager. It is unclear what role Brandon Hunt, the team’s pro scouting coordinator who also received a second interview for the GM post, would have if he remains with the organization.

Former Detroit Lions vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White is expected to join the Steelers’ front office, CBS Sports Network reported. White had been working as a college scout for the Washington Commanders.

The hiring of Khan ends a process that began in January when Colbert, 65, announced he would step aside after the NFL Draft to spend more time with his family. Colbert is expected to remain with the Steelers in a reduced capacity.

Rooney II and Colbert spearheaded the initial round of interviews that included 16 candidates. That group was pared to six for second interviews, with coach Mike Tomlin joining the interview process.

Among the candidates to receive a second interview was Weidl, who has 24 years of NFL experience and spent the past six seasons with the Eagles. His background in scouting and development can help the Steelers fill Colbert’s shoes in those areas.

Khan had a scouting background before joining the Steelers in 2001. He was a football operations coaching assistant in 2000, working with the Saints offensive coordinator in day-to-day operations of the offense. He previously spent two years as a player personnel assistant with the Saints. In that role, he aided in scouting, contract negotiations, government affairs and football administration.

Khan received his first promotion with the Steelers in 2011 when he was named director of football administration. In 2016, he was named a team vice president.

Khan interviewed for a handful of general manager vacancies around the NFL over the past decade, most recently in January with the Houston Texans.