Mike Munchak is staying in Pittsburgh after all.
According to multiple reports, the Broncos have decided on Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as their next head coach, choosing him over the Steelers offensive line coach, who was reportedly the other finalist.
That means Munchak will be sticking with the Steelers, with whom he has been since 2014 after being fired as head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
This past season, the Steelers boasted the No. 1 offensive line according to Pro Football Focus. Three-fifths of the line — Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro — made the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season, while Pouncey was the Steelers' lone representative on the AP All-Pro teams.
Their success as a unit is no surprise, as the group has steadily grown and developed into one of the team's strengths under Munchak and assistant offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett. Munchak also has overseen the development of undrafted linemen Chris Hubbard, B.J. Finney and Matt Feiler.
The Steelers finished 9-6-1 in 2018, missing the playoffs by a half-game. Since then, Mike Tomlin has announced two members of his coaching staff won't be back with the team, outside linebackers coach Joey Porter and running backs coach James Saxon.
Munchak also had been mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate with Green Bay, Cleveland and Miami. But the Packers have hired former Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, while Munchak declined the opportunity to interview for the Dolphins job. The Browns have yet to make a hire, but have interviewed a number of candidates, Munchak not among them.
Under Fangio, the Bears ranked third in total yards allowed, surrendering 299.7 yards per game, and first in rushing defense, giving up just 80 yards on the ground per game. The team also tied for third in the league with 50 sacks and posted a league-high 27 interceptions, six more than the second-place Dolphins.
