Steelers Promote Omar Khan to General Manager

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially announced the promotion of Omar Khan to general manager on Wednesday. The news was first reported on Tuesday by ESPN.

Khan will replace Kevin Colbert, who stepped down after 22 years in the position following the 2022 NFL Draft. Khan has been with the Steelers nearly as long, starting with the team in 2001. His previous role was vice president of football and business administration.

Colbert, head coach Mike Tomlin and president Art Rooney II were among those that were involved in the hiring process. Six candidates advanced to the final phase of interviews.

“I am pleased to announce Omar Khan as our next general manager,” Rooney said in a press release. “Omar has been an integral part of our football operations department during his 21 years with the team, and that experience will serve him well in his new position.”

Khan was football administration coordinator for 2001-11, helping construct two Super Bowl winners as the team’s primary expert in matters relating to the NFL salary cap. From 2011-16, he was director of football administration.

“I am extremely excited for this opportunity to be the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Khan. “I would like to thank Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin, and Kevin Colbert for their support throughout this process. I am ready for this challenge and grateful to continue the success we have had on the field during my first 21 years. I look forward to completing our football operations staff and working tirelessly to build another championship football team for Steelers Nation and our community.”

Khan has been a general manager candidate for several other NFL teams in the past, including the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason and the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans last year.

He beat out Steelers pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt, Philadelphia Eagles vice president Andy Weidl, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vice president Jon Spytek, Tennessee Titans vice president Ryan Cowden and former Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley for the position.

Weidl has reportedly been hired to serve as Khan’s assistant general manager, while former Detroit Lions vice president Sheldon White will reportedly direct personnel.

A graduate of Tulane University, Khan got his NFL start with his hometown New Orleans Saints before joining the Steelers.

He becomes the seventh chief personnel executive in team history, following Colbert, Tom Donahoe, Dick Haley, Dan Rooney, Francis Fogarty, John Holahan and Art Rooney Sr.