Kevin Colbert was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000, and during his tenure with the team it has won three AFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls. Mike Tomlin succeeded Bill Cowher in 2007 to become just the third head coach of the team since Chuck Noll was hired in 1969. Tomlin has coached the team to victories in two AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.
Each of them offered some personal thoughts on the passing of Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney.
Kevin Colbert:
"Mr. Rooney touched everybody he ever met. Words cannot express the impact he had on me, my family and our organization on a daily basis. The virtues he taught us about faith, family and our great game of football will never be forgotten and always cherished.
"As we move forward, it is not only our obligation to carry on these wonderful virtues in our lives, but to share these same virtues with others the way he shared them with us."
Mike Tomlin:
"The passing of Mr. Rooney is a difficult time, not just for myself, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and the National Football League. But for everyone in the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.
"In 2007, Mr. Rooney afforded me the opportunity to lead the football team he helped guide throughout his life. For that, I am forever grateful and am honored to have done so.
"After every game, win or lose, Mr. Rooney would enter our locker room, look me in my eye and shake my hand along with every player who stepped foot on the field. He embodied professionalism and was a man who created a family-like atmosphere that will continue on.
"Football examples only scratch the surface of how he impacted mine and the countless other lives he touched."
