Article on Kevin Colbert -- Steelers Dir. of football operations

[Beemnseven]

Pretty interesting read. I'd never heard of this guy before, and it sounds like that's exactly the way he prefers it. I hate the Steelers, but no one can deny they have themselves on an incredible run. I'm not sure what his contract status is, but when people wonder who should be hired as a GM, I hope this guy gets some consideration.

The article goes into his personal life, (not as interesting) but here are some quick points that stand out:

Colbert is the Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations, which means that he's the main man responsible for drafting players, signing free agents and making trades. His decisions have helped fuel two Super Bowl titles and four AFC Championship game appearances for the Steelers since he was hired in 2000.

But ask him about his first round picks - Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes and Troy Polamalu - and you'll get a shrug. "If you miss on a first-rounder, that's inexcusable," Colbert says. Of course, you'll have to excuse many others around the NFL whose first-rounders have flopped.

Ask Colbert about the success of late-round picks like Brett Keisel, and you'll get a ringing endorsement of the excellence of defensive-line coach John Mitchell. Point out the success he and the Steelers have had in getting All-Pro work from nondrafted players like Willie Parker and James Harrison, and you'll hear praise for the talent and character of those players.

Candid Talk with Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations: Season Preview: Annual Football Edition 2009