Tim Benz stories, Page 9

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88

First Call: Art Rooney II comments on Bears' interest in Mike Tomlin, updates status of Steelers coordinators

Tuesday’s “First Call” has Art Rooney II’s version of events regarding the Chicago Bears’ inquiry about Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s availability. We also have a late Pro Bowl invitation for a Steelers offensive lineman and an update on the status of both coordinators. Plus, Robert Morris tries to play...

Tim Benz: Debunking the theory that Pittsburgh couldn't handle a Steelers' losing season

A common refrain from defenders of head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers franchise is that Pittsburgh should be more grateful for the team’s current situation. I frequently hear that Pittsburgh fans and media members couldn’t handle a four- or five-win season if that’s what it took for the Steelers...

Madden Monday: AFC and NFC title games show how much of a 'fraud' the Steelers have become

In Sunday’s NFC Championship game, the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Washington Commanders, 55-23. In the AFC Championship, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills stood at the 50-yard line and exchanged haymakers for three hours before the Chiefs emerged with a 32-29 victory. That’s 139 total points in the two...

First Call: Russell Wilson to Vegas may be discussed; Steelers speaking with Missouri QB

Monday’s “First Call” has a potential free-agent destination for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Former Steeler Antwaan Randel El is reportedly getting a new coaching job. A college quarterback is drawing the Steelers’ attention. Marc-Andre Fleury is honored yet again. And if the Penguins can’t beat Monday night’s opponent, they...

Duquesne's coach, players see no need for Dayton loss to start any trends

After Duquesne’s 82-62 loss to Dayton on Tuesday night, coach Dru Joyce III was asked if he was going to have his players study the tape or if he was going to just “burn” it. “You can burn it. You can take a look at it. We’ll see,” Joyce said....

First Call: James Harrison doubts Mike Tomlin's 'standard' message; ex-Steeler up for Lions' defensive job

James Harrison has a pointed critique of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Another former Steelers linebacker is in the hunt for a significant coaching promotion. The Penguins try to get right in Seattle on Saturday. On the college hoops scene, Pitt, Duquesne and Robert Morris all play conference games this...

Football Footnotes: Round 4 of Mahomes vs. Allen conjures memories of Bradshaw vs. Stabler

The Steelers and Raiders haven’t faced each other in the playoffs since 1983-84. But with the Buffalo Bills preparing to lock horns with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, the glory days of Black and Gold versus Silver and Black are coming back to mind....

Tim Benz: Jim Rooney's explanation for playoff slump a sobering reality check of Steelers' lowered standards

Jim Rooney is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II. He recently wrote a book about their father, the late Dan Rooney, who also served as the Steelers president and owner of the franchise. As part of a media tour for the book, “A Different Way to Win,”...

First Call: Todd Haley may be in line for another NFL gig; Steelers executive misses out on Raiders job

A former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator may find his way back into the NFL. A Steelers front office member is staying put despite an interview with another team. It’s already NFL mock draft season. And we preview the Penguins’ next stop out west. All that and more is in “First...

U mad, bro?: Steelers fans shift ire from head coach to lack of a QB

Following the Steelers’ latest failed attempt to win a playoff game, most of Pittsburgh’s angst was aimed at head coach Mike Tomlin. However, this week’s “U mad, bro?” appears to be focused on the franchise’s lack of a quarterback. Either way, it’s just as good. Whatever it takes. Vent. Get...

Tim Benz: Even if Steelers fans are 'so spoiled,' it doesn't make them wrong

I recently saw that Cleveland area sports commentator Bruce Drennan called Pittsburgh Steelers fans “so spoiled.” Well, compared to the Browns up in Cleveland, obviously. Who isn’t “spoiled” compared to them? Compared to the likes of most franchises when it comes to Super Bowl wins? Again, sure. The Steelers have...

First Call: Steelers reportedly were quick to rebuff trade inquiries about Mike Tomlin; former Steelers coach may get promotion

In Tuesday’s “First Call,” trade talks around Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin have been short and sweet. Also, a former Tomlin assistant coach may get a promotion. It was a busy night for a number of ex-Penguins. Duquesne will be playing against a number of faces Tuesday night that are...

Proposed changes to ACC championship game create more problems than answers

As the ACC tries to game the system, a question arises: Is the game itself really worth playing? Two days before Ohio State beat Notre Dame, 34-23, to win the first 12-team College Football Playoff, ESPN published a story with quotes from ACC commissioner Jim Phillips about some potential changes...

First Call: Arthur Smith not favored to land Jets' head coaching job; Patrick Queen takes dig at Ravens

In Monday’s “First Call,” it looks like Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith isn’t going anywhere. Neither is Mike Tomlin. Nor are the Baltimore Ravens going to the AFC Championship game, and Pittsburgh product Damar Hamlin had a hand in that. Patrick Queen seemed happy to catch the final score....

Madden Monday: Art Rooney II is oblivious to, or disinterested in, criticism of Mike Tomlin

At PiratesFest over the weekend, designated hitter Andrew McCutchen told Pittsburgh Pirates fans to “be careful what you wish for,” when it comes to some of their demands of Bob Nutting to sell the team. Funny. That’s a refrain we’ve heard quite a bit this week in the national media...

Tim Benz: Gap between Pittsburgh sports fans and local team owners has never been so vast

I didn’t attend PiratesFest this weekend. I recently finished covering the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disastrous demise and the Penguins’ washout of a homestand. My Pittsburgh sports masochism knows at least some limitations. But, via TribLIVE’s Kevin Gorman, I did read about the ire directed toward owner Bob Nutting at the fan...

Former Pitt Panther Tray Woodall promoted to Fordham head basketball coach — for now

Pitt basketball alum Tray Woodall is going to be a head coach at Fordham. At least for a short time. The former Pitt Panther is going to serve as the interim bench boss for the Rams over the next four games. On Wednesday, the university announced a self-imposed four-game suspension...

First Call: Update on Arthur Smith's interviews; NFL playoff TV ratings dip; lengthy Pens road trip starts

Friday’s “First Call” provides an update on Arthur Smith’s status as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator as he travels for head coaching interviews. NFL TV ratings aren’t off to a great start in the playoffs. The Penguins are trying to salvage their sinking ship of a season with a long...

Football Footnotes: Let's pick apart some bogus Steelers myths

There are a number of myths about the Pittsburgh Steelers. We often speak them into reality whether they are true or not. For this Friday’s “Football Footnotes,” let’s deconstruct a few of them. One in particular got my attention late this season. • The Steelers are all about running the...

Tim Benz: If the Steelers go with Justin Fields in 2025, actually treat him like a starter

During his season-ending press conference on Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the team’s plans at quarterback next season. At no point did he make a strong suggestion that the franchise was intending to retain Russell Wilson as the starter. In fact, his answer sounded like it had...

First Call: Steelers show interest in Pitt safety; Maxx Crosby endorses idea of Raiders signing Najee Harris

Thursday’s “First Call” connects the Steelers to a Pitt defensive back in advance of the NFL draft. A Pro Bowl defensive star is stumping for his team to sign Najee Harris. There is yet another twist in the Diontae Johnson saga. Zay Flowers’ injury status is still murky for the...

U mad, bro?: Steelers fans are firing back at criticism of Mike Tomlin

Thanks to an eighth straight year without a playoff win, criticism of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has been brisk. So you know how that goes. As soon as a push to fire Tomlin starts, there is a big pushback in the other direction. Or, there are some that just try...

'Still not over it': 30 years later, some Steelers can't forget the '94-'95 AFC Championship Game

Former San Diego Chargers coach Bobby Ross just turned 88 years old last month. He also just went through knee replacement surgery. That didn’t stop him from sharing his memories of Jan. 15, 1995. “So, how can I help you?” Ross said on the other end of the phone. “What...

Tim Benz: Mike Tomlin's answers about George Pickens raise more questions

During Tuesday’s season-ending press conference, I asked Steelers coach Mike Tomlin if it was a priority for the franchise to get wide receiver George Pickens a contract extension in the offseason. He didn’t say, “Yes.” Instead he said: “We haven’t had any conversations about pecking orders or priorities regarding any...

For Duquesne football, challenges of playing Pitt in '25 opener are well worth the opportunity

Last week’s announcement about Duquesne being Pitt’s season-opening opponent at Acrisure Stadium to start the 2025 college football season generated a lot of buzz on the Bluff. During a halftime interview at the Duquesne-St. Joseph’s basketball game on Wednesday, Dukes athletic director Dave Harper admitted he was hoping to get...

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