Possible Options Mike Tomlin's Pittsburgh Steelers Staff

Welcome to Black Monday, when coaches and staffs all throughout the NFL get fired.

By 4 a.m. on Monday, Jim Zorn was already gone from Washington. So is the entire coaching staff in Buffalo.

The firings are bad news for the teams who now must rebuild their staff and the chemistry between the team and a new coach.

It's great news, however, for teams looking to plug a few holes in their own staff. Some top names will doubtlessly be available.

One of those teams is the soon-to-be-dethroned Steelers.

The shopping list includes four potential positions: offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, defensive backs coach, and special teams coordinator.

Here's a look at a few possible candidates, based on whether or not their team is considering (or has already) fired their head coach and/or coaching staff. This list will no doubt be upgraded in the next few weeks, but here's a preliminary look at who should be available and, more importantly, be considered.

Offensive Coordinator

Jim Zorn

Zorn is a plausible name. He was never a coordinator before being hired by the Redskins. He was then, two weeks later, promoted to head coach when owner Dan Snyder couldn't woo another big name.

Zorn didn't fare so well in his first stint as a head coach, but he's known through the league as a top offensive mind. Maybe he would fit as a coordinator on a team with established stars.

That team could be Pittsburgh. It has been rumored that Bruce Arians may be on his way out off Pittsburgh, a move which would seem to please a fanbase tortured by the team's offensive inconsistency.

Positional failures aside, the Steelers offense needs someone who can and will utilize the team's versatile talent and depth to create big plays. They also need a coach who is inventive and not sold on a basic offensive system.

Zorn's offense was not always effective in Washington, but he brings the versatile West Coast mindset to the table. The Steelers are quite effective at running short passing plays and setting up their running game with the pass. Both are trademarks of the West Coast offense.

If Zorn were hired, I would expect to see the Steelers adopt some aspects of the West Coast system, but retain their dedication to balance and to allowing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to call the plays.

Jim Fassel

Fassel most recently coached in the fledgling UFL, but I'm sure he'd welcome a return to the NFL in some capacity.

Fassel is another respected name in coaching and, like Zorn, brings the possibility of a diverse system and better utilization of the team's talent to the table. He's popular with his players and is known as a good motivator.

Fassel did excellent work during his last stint in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, where he was an offensive assistant. Since Mike Tomlin has a defensive background, it makes sense to bring in an experienced name for the offense rather than bring along a young assistant.

Offensive Line Coach

Joe Bugel

Bugel was on Jim Zorn's staff in Washington and was also a holdover from the Joe Gibbs administration. He's a long-time and well-respected assistant and would be an immediate upgrade over Larry Zierlein.

Bugel's offensive lines have let up far fewer sack totals than Pittsburgh's in the last three seasons, and Bugel has been relatively successful despite several key injuries during the 2009 season.

If Zorn were hired, Bugel would have an established relationship with the team's offensive coordinator as well.

Bugel has developed many top linemen in his NFL career—something the Steelers sorely need. Chris Kemoeatu still needs some polishing and all of the team's linemen could improve in most areas, particularly run blocking.

The Redskins were effective running the ball with Clinton Portis, whose style compares favorably with Rashard Mendenhall's. It's likely that Pittsburgh's running game would improve markedly under Bugel's guidance.

Defensive Backs Coach

Jerry Gray

Yet another member of Zorn's former staff in Washington, Gray is likely to be retained by the Redskins in some capacity. He was interviewed for the team's now-vacant coaching position already, although that may have been only to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

Gray is a good secondary coach who has a lot of experience. The Redskins secondary performed well under his guidance, and he would be asked to serve in a similar capacity with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gray would be tasked with growing young corners and possibly a young safety to help the Steelers field a more effective secondary.

Lionel Washington

Washington currently is on Tom Cable's coaching staff in Oakland, but the Raiders are rumored to be considering dismissing Cable this week.

Washington has presided over the continued development of Nnamdi Asomugha and young defensive back Michael Huff.

The development of Asomugha, one of the league's top shutdown corners, could potentially mean good things for the Steelers, who need an infusion of young talent and good coaching at the cornerback position.

Special Teams Coordinator

Bobby April

April was part of the Buffalo Bills staff that was given an en masse pink slip this morning by owner Ralph Wilson and new GM Buddy Nix.

April is one of the most respected special teams coaches in the NFL and is someone with whom the Steelers should already be on the phone communicating interest.

Bob Ligashesky has failed, particularly this season, to field a good unit. The Steelers allowed far too many kick and punt returns for scores, and even more that went for long gains. Losing the field position battle was a huge reason for the team's 9-7 record.

April brings a strong and lengthy resume and a great body of knowledge. His units are often at or near the top of the NFL, a place the Steelers' special teams have rarely glimpsed in the past decade.

Special teams has been a revolving door for Steelers assistants and April would likely bring stability to the position. He's the best special teams coach likely to be available this offseason and he has the experience the Steelers need.