Steelers GM Kevin Colbert: 'It’s time from a personal standpoint' to step down

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed last month that general manager Kevin Colbert will step down from his role with the club following the upcoming NFL Draft. Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Colbert spoke publicly for the first time since that announcement and explained his decision. 

"It’s something my family and I have discussed really over the last few years, and that’s why we’ve been asking to do the year-to-year contracts," Colbert explained. "It’s time from a personal standpoint and I think it’s time from professional standpoint.

"We always have to be open to new ways to do things and more current ways. I encourage my younger scouts to push me in that regard. The better solution might be outside the organization. We have to be open to try to stay ahead of the game." 

Colbert joined the Steelers in 2000 as director of football operations and was named general manager in 2010. Rooney said in late January he and Colbert "left the door open" to continue their working relationship in some form past the draft, and Colbert made it clear Monday this isn't a "retirement" and that he "may or may not have a role" with the franchise once he's no longer GM.

"If there’s a way I can help and not hinder the next person, we’re going to be open to that," Colbert added. "But nothing has been decided nor will it be till after we get through the interview process." 

According to Dulac, Colbert "is involved with Rooney in all the interviews" regarding the search for his successor. 

Colbert also said that Mason Rudolph would be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback if the season began today coming off the retirement of future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger.