Larry
Zierlein is in his
second season coaching the Steelers’ offensive line. Zierlein was hired on Jan.
29, 2007, by first-year head coach Mike Tomlin.
Zierlein, 62, came to Pittsburgh after previously serving as the
assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills. Prior to his one-year
stint inBuffalo, Zierlein was the offensive line coach
for the Cleveland Browns for four seasons (2001-04). His work with Cleveland’s offensive line
helped the Browns average 4.1 yards per rush and 104.4 rushing yards per game in
2003
Zierlein, who has 38 years of coaching experience, spent
the previous four seasons before joining the Browns as offensive line coach for
the University of Cincinnati (1997-2000). During the 2000 season, Zierlein also
served as the Bearcats’ running game coordinator and helped Cincinnati set a Conference USA rushing record
with 215.5 yards per game in 1997. From that line, tackle Jason Fabini was a
fourth-round draft choice of the N.Y. Jets. Zierlein’s 1999 line led the nation
by allowing a school-record low eight sacks, despite having four first-year
starters.
Prior to his
tenure at Cincinnati, Zierlein spent two seasons
as offensive line coach at Tulane (1995-96) and Louisiana State (1993-94). He also served as
offensive line coach at the University of Houston
(1978-86).
Zierlein gained experience at the professional level as
co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the New York/New Jersey
Knights of the World League of American Football (WLAF) in 1991-92 and as an
assistant coach for the Washington Commandos of the Arena Football League in
1987.
In addition to coaching, Zierlein also served in the United
States Marine Corps for two years (1966-68), including a one-year
tour of duty in Vietnam
(1967).
A 1971 graduate of Fort Hays
(Kan.) State
College, Zierlein began his coaching career at Fort Hays State
College as linebackers coach in 1970. After two years at Fort Hays State, he
spent six years at the high school level, coaching at Abernathy (Texas) High
School from 1972-74 and Lamar Consolidated (Texas) High School from
1975-77
A native of Lenora, Kan.,
Zierlein and his wife, Marcia, have three children, sons Lance and Mike, and
daughter Nicci, and grandchildren Alec, Drake, Ellie, Maggie and
Mason.
