Getty 49ers running back Ricky Watters #32 of the San Francisco 49ers against Atlanta Falcons safety Louis Riddick #26 in 1992.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to interview ESPN NFL analyst and commentator Louis Riddick for their vacant general manager position, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
If hired, Riddick, 52, would replace Kevin Colbert who planned to retire at the end of the 2021 season.
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A Look at Riddick’s Past
Riddick, 52, is a Pennsylvania native and played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the ninth round (No. 248 overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, the XFL’s Orlando Rage and WLAF’s Sacramento Surge.
Out of seven seasons in the NFL, Riddick spent two with the Falcons. He made his pro debut with Atlanta in 1992 before rejoining the club in 1996. He appeared in 32 games (5 starts) and recorded 99 total tackles and 2.0 sacks during his two separate campaigns.
After his playing career, Riddick became a pro scout for Washington in 2001 and four years later was promoted to director of pro personnel. He was then hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as a pro scout in 2008 and was again promoted to director of pro personnel in 2010.
Riddick later joined ESPN in 2013 before being named an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of Monday Night Football in August.
Cobert Plans to Stay for the 2022 NFL Draft
Colbert doesn’t plan to officially retire until after the 2022 NFL Draft, so he’ll play a part in who the Steelers replace at quarterback to follow in Ben Roethlisberger’s shoes.
BREAKING: Art Rooney II said today GM Kevin Colbert will step down after the 2022 draft and Steelers will start conducting outside interviews immediately. He also said Colbert is interested is remaining in a reduced capacity this season.
Colbert has been with the Steelers since 2000 and has two Super Bowl wins as a general manager. He started his career as a scout quickly worked up the ranks.
The Steelers have also interviewed Brandon Hunt and Omar Khan, both of whom hold positions in Pittsburgh’s front office. Hunt is currently a pro scouting coordinator while Khan is vice president of football and business administration.
The external candidates that Pittsburgh has been eyeing other than Riddick include, Ryan Cowden, JoJo Wooden and Ed Dodds.
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Former Falcons Safety to Interview for Steelers GM Position