First Call: A free-agent CB will remain in Pittsburgh; other NFL hires may impact Steelers’ OC search

Still liking Levi?

According to at least one national post, one of the Steelers veteran defensive backs may be getting a contract extension.

ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler says the team could be interested in bringing back cornerback Levi Wallace. The 28-year-old just finished a two-year, $8 million commitment in Pittsburgh.

“Wright has been a reliable starter for the Steelers during the course of two years in Pittsburgh, recording six interceptions and twelve pass breakups since 2022, but the team’s free agency class is not very impressive. In order to get closer to free agency, I could see him sticking there for an additional two years,” Fowler wrote.

Well, perhaps. His willingness to stay at another low rate makes him a potentially valuable depth piece. However, rather than keeping things as they are, the Steelers ought to be trying to improve in the secondary.

In my opinion, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin ought to search for a starting-caliber cornerback and a safety in addition to Joey Porter Jr. In this manner, Wallace can remain as a backup, while Patrick Peterson might potentially be moved to a third safety post.

Ripple effect?

One of the Steelers’ division rivals is losing its offensive coordinator.

According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, the Tennessee Titans are hiring Cincinnati OC Brian Callahan to be their new head coach.

According to league sources, the Titans are attempting to close a deal to name offensive coordinator Brian Callahan of the Bengals as their next head coach.tweet.com/HLbhYZUFPj

— January 23, 2024, Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)

Callahan would succeed Mike Vrabel, who held the position in Nashville for six years, if he were to formally take the position.

Zac Robinson, the OC candidate for the Steelers, might also be vying for Callahan’s position in Cincinnati. Zac Taylor, the head coach of the Bengals, had, after all, coached quarterbacks for the Rams in Los Angeles under Sean McVay. Robinson joined McVay’s team five years ago. He has spent the last two seasons overseeing the passing game.

But according to NFL.com source Ian Rapoport, the Bengals may also have QB coach Dan Pritcher on staff.Not at this moment.

Samir Suleiman, a former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers front office, was not hired by the Carolina Panthers as general manager. Dan Morgan, a former linebacker with the Panthers, grabbed the job instead. On Monday, the group made that declaration.

Before 2020, Suleiman was Pittsburgh’s coordinator of football administration. At that point, he was brought on by the Panthers to serve as the team’s director of salary cap management and player negotiations.

Suleiman was considered internally to take over for the sacked Scott Fitterer following the conclusion of the season. Among the at least ten external applicants on the list was Morgan. The University of Miami graduate held the position of assistant general manager for the franchise.

David Tepper, a former minority owner of the Steelers, now owns the Panthers. Carolina’s 2-14 record was an NFL low.

Cole Marcoux took Suleiman’s spot in Pittsburgh after he left for Carolina. Suleiman used to be thought of as Omar Khan’s backup in case Khan was traded or promoted to another team. Eventually, after Kevin Colbert retired after the 2022 draft, Khan succeeded him as general manager of Pittsburgh.

What’s the buzz?

After a huge win at then No. 7 Duke, the Pitt Panthers (11-7) are looking to refocus Tuesday night. They visit Georgia Tech.

The Yellow Jackets are struggling at 9-9. They have won just one game since Dec. 22. That was a 93-90 double-overtime victory over Clemson last Tuesday.

Ga. Tech yields 75.2 points per game. That’s 14th in the 15-team ACC. Only Louisville is worse at 77.8. Their 73.6 points per game average on offense is 12th.

But with 38.9 rebounds per game, the Jackets rank third in the league.

Duquesne has been adjusting to Dae Dae Grant’s departure. He had a concussion throughout both of those games.

The Bonnies, who were coached by former Robert Morris head coach Mark Schmidt, suffered a 69-60 defeat against George Mason in their last game.

In the all-time series, St. Bonaventure is ahead 70–61. Last year, the two teams had a split of their meetings.

Staff writer Tim Benz works for the Tribune-Review. Tim may be reached via X or at tbenz@triblive.com. It is possible to repost any tweet. All emails, unless otherwise noted, could be published.