A lot of NFL pundits have argued this offseason is a great opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to “change their ways” and “update” their organizational thinking. The Steelers may have begun doing that this weekend with Tim Gribble as a front office addition.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported the Steelers are “expected to add” Gribble to their scouting department.
While the specific role Gribble will fill if officially hired is unknown, the timing of the hire peaked the interest of Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora.
“Most often, front-office and scouting personnel changes occur after the draft when contracts typically expire,” wrote Kozora. “A move during this time of the year is unusual although it’s not unheard of.”
The Steelers are expected to add Gribble in the midst of a head coaching search. There’s also some uncertainty about the future of Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl.
Weidl interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons general manager opening Thursday.
Steelers Hiring Tim Gribble to Scouting Department: Report
The Steelers hiring Gribble is a homecoming of sorts. The longtime NFL executive grew up in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, which is town along the Monongahela river about an hour south of Acrisure Stadium.
Gribble played full back at Duquesne University from 1992-96. He then served on the program’s coaching staff from 1996-2000.
Afterwards, Gribble spent two years in the Steelers scouting department as an assistant. He has been in the Washington Commanders front office over the past 24 seasons.
Since 2020, he’s served as the Commanders Director of College Personnel. In that role, he “oversees the organization’s evaluation of collegiate talent and manages scouting efforts at both the area and national levels.”
Why Are the Steelers Hiring Gribble in January?
As Kozora explained, the timing of the Steelers adding Gribble is curious. More than likely, it signals two potential things.
It could mean the Steelers are aware they are about to lose Weidl to the Falcons. If that happens, Gribble might not directly replace Weidl in title, but he could help the Steelers form their 2026 draft board.
The organization is going to need all the help it can get with the 2026 draft if Weidl is gone along with former head coach Mike Tomlin.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly argued Wednesday, though, that Weidl won’t land the Falcons job. If Weidl is back, then the Steelers would be adding to their front office with the Gribble hire.
NFL executives have told reporters Pittsburgh needs to spend more on its coaching staff. Hiring Gribble could be a sign that the organization is ready to invest more in scouting and coaching during 2026.
Or, it could be the combination of both things. The Steelers may be adding Gribble to bolster their staff but also prepare for a Weidl departure. If Weidl doesn’t leave this month, he’s likely to see more job opportunities next year.
While with Washington, Gribble served as an area scout for 11 years. He started as a pro personnel assistant in 2002.
Every draft is key, but the 2026 NFL Draft is particularly important for the Steelers. In a perfect world, they will land a quarterback to compete for the starting job next season.
Furthermore, it will be the organization’s first draft without Tomlin since 2006. Pittsburgh is also the host city for the league’s draft this April.
Steelers Make ‘Unusual’ Hire Amid Head Coach, Front Office Uncertainty: Report