Jerry Olsavsky was an overachieiving linebacker who played nine seasons with the Steelers after a college career at Pitt. Now he will try to help other Steelers players get better.
Olsavsky, 42, was hired Friday to be the Steelers defensive assistant, replacing Lou Spanos, who joined the Washington Redskins as linebackers coach. Olsavsky and former Steelers linebacker Earl Holmes were the only known candidates who were interviewed for the position by coach Mike Tomlin.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Olsavsky played with the Steelers from 1989-97 after being drafted in the 10th round from Pitt. He played one more season with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring.
Olsavsaky had been the linebackers coach at Youngstown State University the past seven years.
First Published: January 30, 2010, 10:15 a.m.