PITTSBURGH ─ The Steelers added a familiar name to their coaching staff today when they named Jerry Olsavsky their new defensive quality control coach. In his new position, Olsavsky will assist all areas of the defensive staff in their daily operations.
Olsavsky, 42, was drafted by the Steelers in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft and played linebacker with the team from 1989-97. He finished his playing career in 1998 with the Baltimore Ravens.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Olsavsky spent the past seven seasons coaching linebackers for Youngstown State. Prior to coaching at Youngstown State, Olsavsky spent one year as an assistant strength coach at University of North Carolina, and he also coached at his alma mater Chaney High School in Youngstown and at Duquesne University.
Olsavsky's Pittsburgh roots extend back to his college days when he was named a first-team Kodak All-American as a senior in 1988 at the University of Pittsburgh. He became the Panthers' first player since 1976 to record more than 100 tackles in three straight seasons.
Despite being considered undersized as a player, Olsavsky was known for being a fearless competitor and a tireless worker. He played in 108 games for the Steelers and made 227 tackles while also excelling on special teams throughout his career. Olsavsky battled back from a career threatening knee injury in 1993 to become a starter at inside linebacker for the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
