Oct 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) in action during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Former Steelers WR Begins Head Coaching Career

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Noah Strackbein | Last updated Nov 24, 2024 12:00 PM ET

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer is now in charge of the Tulsa football team, accepting the role as interim head coach, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. This comes after Tulsa decided to fire head coach Kevin Wilson following a 7-16 record over the last two seasons.

Switzer has been an assistant coach/wide receiver coach for Tulsa since 2023 and will now get an opportunity to showcase his work as a head coach in the college ranks. The former fourth-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys played five seasons in the NFL before retiring due to injuries. Prior to the NFL, Switzer was a star wideout and return specialist at North Carolina.

Per ESPN source, assistant coach Ryan Switzer has accepted the interim role at Tulsa. He's the WR coach and a former star at UNC and NFL player. https://t.co/9A7luEEQsn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 24, 2024

Switzer spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Steelers, playing in 25 games with one start. He 44 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown, while also recording 38 punt returns for 281 yards and 39 kick returns for 773 yards.

He finished his career with 50 receptions for 321 yards and one touchdown.

Tulsa is 3-8 this season with one game remaining on their schedule, facing Florida Atlantic. Switzer will have a short-lived run at interim head coach, but could open the door for an opportunity to keep the job with an impressive showing.

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