On Monday, it was announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to promote assistant coach Adrian Klemm to the position of offensive lineman. Although the Steelers spoke to other candidates, in the end they decided that Klemm was the best candidate for the position.
Of course, many Steelers fans and the media were scratching their heads with the decision. If the Steelers wanted Klemm to be their guy, why did they waste time interviewing other candidates? After all, when Mike Munchak left Pittsburgh in 2019, it only took several hours for the Steelers to announce the promotion of Shaun Sarrett.
One thing that Adrian Klemm brings to the Steelers is the NFL gaming experience, as he was the first draft selected by Bill Belichick in New England. With just two years training at the NFL level in Pittsburgh, some fans are still apprehensive as there was controversy over Klemm’s departure from UCLA and allegations of mistreatment of players.
If you are looking for some good points behind hiring Klemm, look no further than some current and former Pittsburgh Steelers to relax your mind. Not long after the report, ex-Steelers offensive striker Trai Essex logged on to Twitter to explain that Klemm was probably responsible for the development of notable newcomer guard Kevin Dotson in 2020.
Assistant coach OL usually works closely with newcomers throughout the week, while coach OL prepares the starting lineup for the game. Dotson’s performance this year without camp should give you confidence in Coach Klemm’s potential. #SteelerNation
– Trai Essex (@ TraiDay79) February 1, 2021
As for players who have worked directly with Klemm in the past, Steelers’ offensive tackle, Zach Banner, commented on those who questioned the signing.
You don’t know Klemm. We do. And that’s all that matters …
– Banner Zach (@ZBNFL) February 2, 2021
In addition, Chukwuma Okorafor, who started 15 games for the Steelers in 2020, took Instagram to show his support for his new offensive line coach. This is by Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
The most notable may be former Steelers striker Ramon Foster, who played his last season with Clem as a technical assistant on the offensive line. Foster gave Klemm a sound endorsement in response to reports on the selection of the Steelers.
He is very good. He has his own philosophy and loves guys who play with an advantage. Ask around, he’s solid.
– Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) February 2, 2021
And for those who don’t follow Foster on social media, he also offered his typical comic responses to a number of things, in this case people worrying about a coaching position where fans usually don’t even pay attention to players during the game.
How upset you are about hiring an OL coach when you don’t even notice us, unless we’re applying penalties. Lineman and O-Line coaches matter !!! pic.twitter.com/AxMq8LpuWJ
– Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) February 2, 2021
It remains to be seen whether Adrian Klemm is the man who will make the Steelers’ offensive line the best it can be. But unless Steelers gives up on the decision before the official announcement is made, it will have an opportunity to prove what it can do in 2021. The fact that several Steelers strikers have endorsed the selection may help to ease any fan apprehension about Klemm’s ability to get the job done.