January 22, 2007

Steelers name Mike Tomlin coach

PITTSBURGH - Mike Tomlin, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers — the first black head coach in the team's 74-year history.

Tomlin became the team's third coach in 38 years after he accepted the job Sunday night. He was negotiating a four-year contract that is expected to pay him about $2.5 million a year. The team announced the hiring Monday and the contract was to be completed later in the day.

Tomlin was hired on the same day two black coaches made the Super Bowl for the first time: Lovie Smith in Chicago and Tony Dungy in Indianapolis.

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