Meeting the New Steelers Assistants: Bob Ligashesky

Now that the Steelers coaching staff has been filled out, it's time to get to know them a little better.

Name: Bob Ligashesky

Steelers job: Special teams coach

Previous job: Rams special teams coach (2005-2006)

Past jobs: Jaguars special teams coach (2004); University of Pittsburgh (2000-2003) tight ends coach and special teams coordinator; Bowling Green University (1991-1999) linebackers and special teams coach; Kent State linebackers and special teams coach (1989-1991); Arizona State University graduate assistant 1986-1988

Results: His Rams special teams ranked 31st in the NFL (one spot behind the Steelers) according to the Football Outsiders' rankings that combines field goals, kick returns and kick coverage and punts return and punt coverage into one rankings which led to the Rams firing him. The Rams ranked 31st in 2005 as well. His Jaguars ranked 17th in special teams in 2004.

Analysis: The numbers aren't pretty for Ligashesky--he's been in charge of one of the worst special teams units in the NFL over the last two years and he was dumped by the Rams just before the Steelers came calling. One defense for Ligashesky is that the Rams have traditionally had one of the worst special teams units in the league--dating back to Mike Martz time as coach. Martz prefered to keep wide receivers and other skill position players rather than linebackers for the last spots on the roster, which meant the Rams didn't have the kind of players who usually are the special teams leaders--the Rams ranked 32nd the year before Ligashesky was hired. This isn't exactly a slam dunk hiring, but the addition of an assistant special teams coach seems to indicate that Mike Tomlin is focused on having solid special teams.