Larry Zierlein is in his third season coaching the Steelers’ offensive line. Zierlein was hired on Jan. 29, 2007, by first-year head coach Mike Tomlin.

Zierlein, 63, came to Pittsburgh after previously serving as the assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills. Prior to his one-year stint inBuffalo, Zierlein was the offensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns for four seasons (2001-04). His work with Cleveland’s offensive line helped the Browns average 4.1 yards per rush and 104.4 rushing yards per game in 2003

Zierlein, who has 39 years of coaching experience, spent the previous four seasons before joining the Browns as offensive line coach for the University of Cincinnati (1997-2000). During the 2000 season, Zierlein also served as the Bearcats’ running game coordinator and helped Cincinnati set a Conference USA rushing record with 215.5 yards per game in 1997. From that line, tackle Jason Fabini was a fourth-round draft choice of the N.Y. Jets. Zierlein’s 1999 line led the nation by allowing a school-record low eight sacks, despite having four first-year starters.

Prior to his tenure at Cincinnati, Zierlein spent two seasons as offensive line coach at Tulane (1995-96) and Louisiana State (1993-94). He also served as offensive line coach at the University of Houston (1978-86).

Zierlein gained experience at the professional level as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the New York/New Jersey Knights of the World League of American Football (WLAF) in 1991-92 and as an assistant coach for the Washington Commandos of the Arena Football League in 1987.

In addition to coaching, Zierlein also served in the United States Marine Corps for two years (1966-68), including a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam (1967).

A 1971 graduate of Fort Hays (Kan.) State Universtity, Zierlein began his coaching career at Fort Hays State College as linebackers coach in 1970. After two years at Fort Hays State, he spent six years at the high school level, coaching at Abernathy (Texas) High School from 1972-74 and Lamar Consolidated (Texas) High School from 1975-77

A native of Lenora, Kan., Zierlein and his wife, Marcia, have three children, sons Lance and Mike, and daughter Nicci, and grandchildren Alec, Drake, Ellie, Maggie, Mason and Sebastian.