Thursday, Jan 21, 2010 03:39 PM

Steelers bring in Everest as special teams coordinator

PITTSBURGH -- Al Everest has been hired as the Pittsburgh Steelers' special teams coordinator after being let go by the San Francisco 49ers.

Everest has been an NFL special teams coach for 13 seasons with the Cardinals (1996-99), Saints (2000-05) and 49ers (2007-09). In 2002, the Saints had three kickoff return touchdowns and blocked five kicks.

Everest replaces Bob Ligashesky, who was fired after three seasons. The Steelers allowed an NFL-high four kickoff return touchdowns this season, all in a five-game span, and were among the NFL's worst teams in kickoff and punt return coverage.

Everest is a former pro football coach in Italy and was the baseball coach at U.S. International University. He played safety for SMU in 1970-71.