Russ Grimm at the top of the list for lions head coaching job

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BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Steelers assistant coach Russ Grimm
CINCINNATI -- Pittsburgh offensive line coach Russ Grimm said Sunday he had not heard from the Lions -- at least not yet -- and declined to comment on his level of interest in their head coaching job.

"I'll wait and see what happens and deal with it then," Grimm said.

But the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports today that the Lions have asked the Steelers for permission to speak to Grimm, and he is reportedly at or near the top of the Lions' list.

Grimm, who also holds the title of assistant head coach, played with Lions president Matt Millen for a season in Washington and has some of the characteristics Millen has said he wants, such as discipline and toughness.

Pittsburgh offensive lineman Jeff Hartings, who played for the Lions in 1996-2000, said Grimm wanted to become a head coach and would be a good one