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Ambassador to Ireland and Steelers chairman emeritus Dan Rooney to step down from his position in Ireland

The expected move could come as early as today, but Rooney's role with the Steelers is undecided as of now. Current owner Art Rooney II says they will discuss it after the season.

By Neal Coolong
Jared Wickerham

A Tribune Review report Friday morning indicates the United States Ambassador to Ireland and Steelers chairman emeritus Dan Rooney will be vacating his post in Dublin soon, with a formal announcement coming possibly as early as today.

The move has been expected, as Rooney never suggested he would serve in the position for more than one term of office for President Barack Obama.

Rooney gave day-to-day operational control of the team to his son, Art II, in 2003, and has concentrated on league matters before accepting the ambassador position with President Obama's staff in 2009.

He hasn't been involved with the day-to-day operations of the team in some time, but he has been around it, having been seen at multiple games in the recent past.

The Tribune-Review quoted Art II:

"My father has been busy and focused on his position in Ireland so we really haven‘t talked about what he wants to do when he gets back. We‘ll talk about that after the season."


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