Report: Frisman Jackson Out as Steelers WRs Coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers and wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson are parting ways, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is the first assistant to be let go following the hire of new offensive Arthur Smith, meaning that there will be one offensive assistant job to be filled. Offensive assistant Glenn Thomas was the only offensive assistant to leave so far, but Jackson has now opened up a spot.

Jackson, 44, spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers and was the receivers coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2017. With the Panthers, Jackson mentored players like Robby Anderson, D.J. Moore, and Curtis Samuel. But with the Steelers, while there was growth from George Pickens and others, other factors surrounding the group likely contributed to Jackson’s departure from the team.

He was a receivers coach at the collegiate level for Baylor (2018-19), Temple (2015-16), NC State (2013-14), North Illinois (2012), Akron (2010-11) and Western Illinois (2008-09). Jackson worked for Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada and alongside running backs coach Eddie Faulkner for two seasons at NC State.

A Chicago native, Jackson played quarterback at North Illinois from 1997-99, while Canada was on the staff there as running backs coach. He transferred to Western Illinois and made the shift to wide receiver for his senior season in 2000, where he holds the school’s single-game records for receptions and yards.

He spent six seasons in the NFL, five with the Cleveland Browns after joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He finished his career with 40 catches for 490 yards and one touchdown.

Pittsburgh will begin searching for the next wide receivers coach. The obvious candidate that would make sense is former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, who has not yet found another job after leaving the San Antonio Brahmas as their head coach. But Smith will interview candidates from across the league and look to land a quality coach to help the development of the room.