Kevin Colbert: On a personal and professional level, it’s time to step aside

The Steelers interviewed Kevin Colbert’s successor as the team’s general manager, with Colbert stepping down after the draft.

Given that Colbert has been on his contract year to year for a few seasons, it was no surprise when team owner Art Rooney II confirmed Colbert would be leaving his current position. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Colbert indicated he did not use the word “retire” in part because he may or may not have a role within the team’s front office going forward.

But Colbert, 65, also said it was time for him to take a step back.

Colbert said, via Jerry Dulac from Pittsburgh Post Gazette. “It’s time from a personal point of view and I think it’s time [a] professional point of view.

“We always have to be open to new ways of doing things and more modern ways. I encourage younger scouts to push me in this regard. It might be the best solution outside the organization. We have to be open to trying to stay ahead.”

Colbert has worked with the Steelers since 2000, initially as Director of Football Operations. He was appointed as the team’s general manager in 2010.

The Steelers involved him in the process of interviewing general manager candidates.

“If there was a way that I could help and not hold the next person down, we would be open to that,” Colbert said. “But nothing has been decided on and it will only be after the interview process has passed.”

Colbert stated that head coach Mike Tomlin has not sat in interviews yet and will not do so until the Steelers have gone through a second round of interviews after the draft.