Now that the Steelers coaching staff has been filled out, it's time to get to know them a little better.Name: Larry Zierlein
Steelers job: Offensive line coach
Previous job: Buffalo Bills assistant offensive line coach (2006)
Past jobs: Cleveland Browns offensive line coach (2001-2004), University of Cincinnati offensive line coach (1997-2000), Tulane offensive line coach (1995-1996), Louisiana State offensive line coach (1993-1994), New Jersey Knights offensive coordinator (1992-1997), Tulane offensive line coach (1988-1990), Washington Commandos (Arena) assistant coach (1987), University of Houston offensive line coach (1978-1986).
Results: According to Football Outsiders metrics, the Bills ranked 26th out of 32 teams in run blocking and 30th in pass blocking thanks in large part to 47 sacks allowed. While Zierlein was only the assistant offensive line coach, those numbers aren't encouraging. His Browns offensive lines aren't much better. The Browns ranked 30th in run blocking and 27th in pass blocking in 2004 and 19th in run blocking and 21st in run blocking in 2003.
Analysis: Zierlein will have more talent to work with this season than he ever had in Buffalo or Cleveland, and some of his lines difficulties have to put viewed at through that prism. At the same time, this is yet another hire that from the outside seems to indicate the difficulties of putting together a new coaching staff under the new NFL rules that limit assistant coach movement. If you're looking for good news, he is experienced--with a 29-year NFL coaching career.
