Why Steelers Should Promote Andy Weidl to General Manager
Jason Shetler
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Following the retirement of former Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, Omar Khan was named to that role, in May of 2022.
Shortly after Khan became the Steelers new GM, Andy Weidl joined the organization, as assistant general manager.
Weidl returned to Pittsburgh, this after starting his NFL tenure as a player personnel assistant with the Steelers in 1998.
From 2005-2015, Weidl served as a scout for the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles hired Weidl to be an assistant director of player personnel. Three years later, he was promoted to director of player personnel.
Weidl helped lay the groundwork, to the Eagles eventually becoming a Super Bowl contender. The foundation of the team being built in the trenches, on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Since rejoining the Steelers, Weidl has carried over that philosophy - working alongside Omar Khan.
By and large, the organization has received positive marks, for their drafting and developing. Specifically, the 2023 draft, which produced Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton; both of whom were signed to long-term extensions this offseason, as well as Joey Porter Jr, who was one of the best cover CBs in the league last season, and has yet to be extended.
Over the past couple years, the Steelers have beefed up their OL, with the selections of 2024 first rounder Troy Fautanu, a potential All-Pro center in Zach Frazier, and a diamond in the rough with Mason McCormick. As for the DL, last year’s first round pick Derrick Harmon looks to be a 2026 breakout candidate for Pittsburgh, while 2025 fifth round pick Yahya Black displayed real flashes of upside, and should play an even bigger role upfront moving forward.
On January 22nd, ten days after the Steelers’ opening round playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Weidl was interviewed by the Atlanta Falcons regarding their GM vacancy.
Given that Weidl is emerging as a legitimate NFL executive, for other teams to express interest in, it would be wise to give Weidl the Steelers general manager tag. He’s played an important role in the organization’s draft strategy, as well as having input in significant moves, such as the DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman trades/extensions, along with the Jamel Dean signing.
Perhaps Khan moves into a president of football operations title, in order for Weidl to be promoted to GM. Khan could be in a position to sign off on moves made by Weidl, and making certain those moves make sense financially.
Now with Mike McCarthy as the head coach, it’s imperative to have strong stability in the front office, especially with a team starting to take positive steps, in becoming a more viable contender sooner rather than later.