After not getting the head coaching position for the Denver Broncos, Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak was all but set to remain in Pittsburgh for the 2019 season. Whispers about Munchak still potentially joining the Broncos as their offensive line coach went through the air, yet nothing appeared to be serious.
However, Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News reports Munchak has accepted a position to be the Broncos offensive line coach, the same spot Munchak has held on the coaching staff in Pittsburgh since 2014.
The move comes as a surprise to many people around the league and in the Steelers organization, especially after Denver originally denied him after interviewing for the vacant head coaching position.
The reasons for leaving Pittsburgh have yet to be stated from Munchak, yet the Broncos likely offered him a more lucrative contract with his current contract with the team expiring. Another potential reason for Munchak opting to move to Denver could be the current state of the Steelers franchise, with Munchak just wanting to get away from the drama-dominated headlines surrounding the Steelers.
In either case, Munchak slipped from the Steelers’ grasp. A large hole now resides in the coaching staff, one that will need great shoes to fill for whoever takes the job.
“He’s such a good person and he’s such an admirable man in every single way. The way he behaves, the way he carries himself. He’s very consistent, treats everybody the same. He’s always the same person.” Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva said about Munchak, per 247 Sports.
Potential candidates have not been solidified, yet some believe former Steelers guard Alan Faneca could potentially land the job with Munchak departing. While the Steelers continue to sort through their ever-growing list of problems, Munchak will begin a new chapter in his coaching career in Denver.