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Steelers Fire Special Teams Coach

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- The Steelers have fired special teams coach Al Everest and promoted assistant Amos Jones to his job, effective immediately.

"We are continually evaluating our coaching staff and support staff, and we have decided to go in a different direction with respect to the coaching of our special teams," said head coach Mike Tomlin, who, after Sunday's preseason win over the visiting Colts, called the performance of his team's return game "below the line."

"I want to thank Al for his contributions and efforts, and I wish him well in the future."

Everest joined the team in 2010 as the special teams coordinator. In 2011 the Steelers ranked in the bottom half of the NFL across the board in return yardage. However, it is uncommon for the Steelers to shake up their coaching staff during the preseason.

Furthermore, in 2009, the Steelers tied an NFL record with four kick return touchdowns allowed, and had not allowed any since.

(Special thanks to KDKA-TV for their contributions to this post.)

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