National Football League

Steelers fire special teams coach

Published Aug. 23, 2012 6:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Steelers fired special teams coordinator Al Everest on Thursday and replaced him with former assistant special teams coach Amos Jones.

Everest, who held his position since 2010, presided over units that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in kick return, punt return and net punting average yardage last season.

Everest was about to enter his 16th season as an NFL special teams coach.

''We are continually evaluating our coaching staff and support staff, and we have decided to go in a different direction with respect to the coaching of our special teams,'' head coach Mike Tomlin said. ''I want to thank Al for his contributions and efforts, and I wish him well in the future.''

Jones was on Tomlin's original staff in 2007, first as an assistant to special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky before staying on to work under Everest for the Steelers (No. 7 in AP Pro32).

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