While the Steelers continued to mourn the death of well-liked wide receiver coach Darryl Drake Tuesday, they got on-field help from one of the game’s most experienced receivers coaches.
Ray Sherman, who has coached for over four decades, including 18 as an NFL wide receiver coach, assisted with Tuesday’s practice, two days follow Drake’s passing.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was asked earlier in the day about who would assume the coaching duties.
“We are in the process of developing a plan that is in place,” Tomlin said. “I just do not wish to discuss the intimate details. I just don’t believe that is appropriate at this time.”
In the NFL, he has been a wide receivers coach for the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys and, most recently, the St. Louis Rams, where he held the position from 2012 to 2015.
He has not coached since the 2015 season.
Sherman’s one year in Pittsburgh was a rocky one. The Steelers went 7-9 and finished 28th in points scored and 25th in yards. The poor numbers led to his dismissal at the end of the season. He was hired as the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator the next season, lasting just one year.
The Steelers will resume practice Wednesday before their final day at Saint Vincent College on Thursday. The team hosts Kansas City for its second preseason game Saturday night.