GM Kevin Colbert Denies Rooney II Role Change

Lost in other news that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert talked about in an interview Monday was his take on the perceived new role of team president Art Rooney II according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Many have called Rooney meddlesome after he did not renew the contract of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, apparently against at least the initial wishes of coach Mike Tomlin.

Colbert was asked pointedly if Rooney has taken a more activist role in football decisions recently.

“Art Rooney obviously is the owner of the team and the president of the team,” Colbert said. “Of course he’s going to be in the loop on every decision as any chief operating officer would be of any corporation. I think to say he is meddlesome or dictating every decision I think is very inaccurate.

“A lot of decisions are made around here with a collective effort and, in our end, when we’re talking about players, it’s a collective effort between myself, coach Tomlin and Art, and that’s the way we do business. It hasn’t changed a bit since I’ve been here in 12 years. Of course, Mr. Rooney went from president to chairman, but the philosophy and operating procedures have not changed one bit.”