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Kirby Wilson was in line to be next offensive coordinator

Mike Tomlin, Bruce Arians

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, right, and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians watch from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec 4, 2011. The Steelers won 35-7. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

AP

We told you last night that Bruce Arians may not return to the Steelers as offensive coordinator.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette now writes it appears Arians is on his way out, one way or another. It raises the question: Who will replace him?

Bouchette sadly reports that running backs coach Kirby Wilson was in line to replace Arians. Wilson is still in critical condition after having burns sustained to over 45% of his body. He will require multiple operations in the future. We hope Wilson can make it back to the sidelines someday, but his football future will not be a focus as he starts his long road to recovery.

In the same article, Bouchette wonders if Arians’ removal was ultimately a decision made by the Rooney family and not Mike Tomlin. There is no logical replacement for Arians on the staff, so the team may have to hire outside the organization.