Championships are won during the hard work of the offseason when no one is watching. The price of greatness is paid in blood, sweat, and tears. In precious time spent away from friends and family. We only see the end results as fans.

Championship rosters are influenced and constructed by numerous individuals hardly known and seldom seen. This collection of behind-the-scene individuals make up a franchise’s scouting department. The scouting department is immensely important, even if only a precious few can comprehend their importance.

The scouting department works in unison with the front office and coaching staff to create an information pipeline necessary for efficient and effective roster construction. In many ways it’s a thankless job, because most of us don’t realize what we got till it’s gone.

The Steelers have been blessed with true greatness at every level during their championship seasons. I am not referring to the players in this instance. I am referring to the individuals responsible for identifying and acquiring said players.

The Steel Curtain dynasty began with a single admission: Owner Art Rooney Sr. needed to loosen the reigns. Mr. Rooney ran daily operations like a kindhearted patriarch more than a savvy business man. He was notorious for keeping subpar players around longer than he should have because he cared deeply for the individuals and their families. He even helped them acquire employment during the offseason. Back when offseason employment was a necessity.

While Mr. Rooney’s behavior was admirable, it’s no way to run a NFL franchise. It should come as no surprise that those Steelers were the worst franchise in the league. The Steelers didn’t start to become relevant until Art Sr. backed away and hired legendary HC Chuck Noll. Then the incomparable Dan Rooney was given more influence and responsibility within the franchise.

However, another huge promotion happened practically under the radar during this time period. Hall of Fame contributor Bill Nunn Sr. was promoted from part time to full time assistant personnel director. It would take at least a full article to ever try and do Nunn’s brilliance justice, so just let me say this: Bill Nunn tenure with the Steelers franchise was from 1967 to 2014, which covered all 6 championships, and all 8 Super Bowl appearances. Thirteen of the players he personally scouted currently reside in the NFL Hall of Fame. Bill Nunn was second to none. The greatest talent evaluator in NFL history.

Chuck Noll, Dan Rooney, and Bill Nunn were directly responsible for the Steel Curtain dynasty of the 70’s.

Incredibly, Dan Rooney and Nunn were also deeply involved in the Steelers most recent championships. However, other vitally important names had appeared. Individuals such as GM Kevin Colbert, HC Bill Cowher, and HC Mike Tomlin.

Sadly, it’s been over 15 years since our beloved Steelers have lifted the Lombardi Trophy. Tomlin is the only man left standing from over five decades of unmatched greatness. However, that’s all about to change in my opinion.

I believe that the Steelers have assembled another championship caliber conglomerate capable of constructing the Steelers next Super Bowl contending roster.

It all starts with the Steelers GM Omar Khan, and Assistant GM Andy Weidl. These gentlemen bring modern day vision and philosophy to the Steelers front office. Khan understands how to manage and manipulate the salary cap like a savant. Weidl is an elite talent evaluator, and has developed plenty of valuable connections around the league. The abilities of these two men both excite and encourage me about the Steelers not-so-distant future.

Mike Tomlin’s commitment and dedication to the scouting department should never be overlooked or taken for granted. No head coach in the NFL is as intimate with the pre-draft process as Tomlin. The man is a legend in that regard, and offers the franchise a true advantage in free agency due to the relationships he has facilitated through the years.

Unbeknownst to many, the Steelers have worked tirelessly to improve their scouting department since Kevin Colbert’s department. Sheldon White is the Director of Pro Scouting. There are numerous familiar names within the department that have ties to the Steelers organization.

Starting with Dan Rooney Jr. as Vice President of Player Personnel. We can only hope he inherited some of his father’s brilliance in his DNA. One can assume that he learned some valuable lessons just being in his presence.

Andy’s younger brother Casey Weidl is the Scouting Coordinator. The Steelers stand to benefit from yet another family connection. Dan Colbert is the Director of College Scouting. Keep it in the family. After all, the Steelers are a family run business. Art Rooney Sr. would be proud that the franchise has never really lost sight of his founding principles and values.

The Steelers are still helping former players with employment. Mark Bruener, Chidi Iwuoma, and Ike Taylor are all current members of the Steelers scouting department.

In conclusion, I feel the Steelers are perfectly situated for their next championship run. They have assembled another championship caliber group in Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff, and the ever improving scouting department.

All that is left to do is reap the benefits of this assembly, starting with another legacy building draft class next week. After that, the Steelers merely need to decide on their next franchise QB. Who knows, they might already have him on the roster. If not, they will need to find one in the near future. How hard could it be?