PITTSBURGH -The Pittsburgh Steelers issued a press release yesterday announcing that the contract for special teams coach Bob Ligashesky would not be renewed for the 2008-2009 season, and that the position was being filled by WTAE anchorwoman Sally Wiggin. The move comes less than one week after Jacksonville Jaguars return man Maurice Jones-Drew returned a kick-off ninety-six yards to set up a touchdown in the first quarter of the Steelers wild-card playoff loss.
Wiggin informed viewers last night during the six o’clock news. “Breaking news from Steeler headquarters on the South Side, where the Steelers have announced they are making a change on their coaching staff,” she read. “Bob Ligashesky is out, and I’m in.” Wiggin, whose eyes grew large as she finished the sentence, was clearly surprised. When the news sunk in, she thrust her fist in the air and pounded the desk in front of her. Co-anchor Mike Clark and weatherman Stephen Cropper came on camera to slap her on the back and offer good wishes. All three then erupted in spontaneous woofing and whooping before going to a commercial.
Wiggin, who played six games for the Steelers last season as a punt return specialist, is the first anchorwoman to coach in the National Football League.
