The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended the contract of general manager Kevin Colbert to another two years, CBS Sports reported. The extension of Colbert's contract comes a day after the team also signed coach Mike Tomlin for another two years.
Steelers President Art Rooney II announced, "I am happy to announce that we have extended Kevin Colbert's contract for two additional years. Kevin's work and footprint on our football operations have been a key factor in our success. We are excited Kevin will continue to lead our personnel department for at least the next three years."
Colbert joined the Steelers in 2000 as director of Football Operations following his stints with the Dolphins and Lions. Colbert, a native of Pittsburgh, became the first ever general manager of the Steelers in 2010. The Steelers appeared in nine NFL playoffs, during the tenure of Colbert, including three Super Bowl appearances and two Lombardi Trophies.
Colbert also played a key role for the team's first-round picks involving Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Lawrence Timmons, Maurkice Pouncey, Cam Heyward and David DeCastro.
Colbert commented, "I am truly grateful to Art and Mr. Rooney for the opportunity to continue my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is with great anticipation that we enter into the 2015 season in pursuit of another Super Bowl championship."
Also on Friday, the Steelers signed Tomlin, the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history and first in the team's history who succeeded Bill Cowher in 2007, TV Newsroom reported. Tomlin holds the record of the most number of wins in the Steelers history with an 82-46 regular-season record.
"I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season," Tomlin said after his extension with the Steelers was announced.
Tomlin also holds the distinction as being the youngest coach in NFL history to win the Lombardi Trophy. Under his helm, the Steelers never had a losing season and made the playoffs five times since Tomlin was appointed as head coach.
The Steelers are also one of the most consistent teams in the NFL under Tomlin, because of his discipline, tough play and a hard-hitting style of football.
Rooney also shared his thoughts the importance of keeping Tomlin and Colbert at the start of the Steelers' 50th training camp.
"We have a good team leading us in terms of Mike and Kevin, as well as our coaching and scouting staffs. We've got a great team in place, so we're happy to keep everyone together," he said.
