Steelers to hire N.C. State's Eddie Faulkner as RBs coach
The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to the college ranks for their new running backs coach.
Eddie Faulker, who was Steelers rookie Jaylen Samuels’ position coach at N.C. State, will be hired to coach the team’s running backs, the NFL Network reported Wednesday.
The position became available when James Saxon’s contract was not renewed after five seasons. Saxon was then hired by the Arizona Cardinals.
“Sometimes it’s time for a change,” team president Art Rooney said Wednesday. “Coach Saxon did a good job over the last few years. His contract was up and coach (Mike Tomlin) felt like it was time to make a change there.”
Faulkner just completed his sixth year at N.C. State, where he served as the tight ends, fullback, special teams and recruiting coordinator. Faulkner was responsible for recruiting Samuels, who set the school record for career receptions as a hybrid tight end.
The Steelers converted Samuels to fullback upon drafting him.
Faulkner spent one season at Wisconsin and Northern Illinois after serving eight seasons at Ball State.
Faulkner was a running back at Wisconsin from 1996-2000 and was with the Steelers in 2001 before playing in the CFL.
Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe at jrutter@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tribjoerutter.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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