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Talk about a gut punch.
Shortly after the Denver Broncos elected to hire Vic Fangio as their head coach, instead of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak, the Steelers’ fan base breathed a sigh of relief knowing Munchak would be returning to Pittsburgh.
Well, think again.
Shortly after the news of Munchak being overlooked for the Denver head coaching job, reports circulated how the Broncos were still interested in having Munchak on Fangio’s staff. The black-and-gold faithful thought there was no way the Steelers would let Munchak walk, right?
Well, think again.
According to multiple sources, including the one below from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Munchak has now been named the new offensive line coach of the Denver Broncos.
Mike Munchak to Denver as O-line coach, per @MikeKlis. That's a big one. Steelers contract was up and Broncos pounced. Steelers O-linemen loved playing for him.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 14, 2019
As Fowler points out, Munchak’s contract with the Steelers had expired, and he was able to go wherever he wanted, but the fact the Steelers let him get away is the most frustrating aspect of this news.
Sure, people can speculate about Munchak having family in the Denver area, or the desire to want to separate himself from the circus which has become the Pittsburgh Steelers, but whatever the what, or the why, for Munchak — he’s gone.
The Steelers and Mike Tomlin will now have to fill the offensive line coaching position, as well as coaching spots at outside linebacker and running back.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they press on throughout the offseason.