The Steelers' offseason moves

Russell replaces Mark Whatley, a hometown product who coached the team the past five seasons before resigning last month to accept a position at Springdale High School.

In his one season, Russell was not able to turn the Falcons around on the field, going 1-9, the same record they recorded in 2008 under athletic director Tony Bohannon. But he did raise the team's participation numbers.

"I don't know how they did on the field but I can tell you North Pulaski is in better shape because he was there," Whatley said. "I know the type LaMarr Woodley  of person that he is. He believes in doing things the right way. I believe he will do a good job at Jacksonville. He is what they need."

Russell was the Red Devils' defensive coordinator for four seasons with Whatley.

"I know he wanted to be a head coach and that is what you want from your assistants. That is the way the business is supposed to be set up. He had the opportunity and he took at it North Pulaski and now he has that opportunity at Jacksonville."

Russell graduated from Sylvan Hills High School and played Jeff Reed  football at Arkansas for two seasons. He finished his undergraduate work at Central Arkansas and received his masters from Arkansas State. His coaching experience also includes Nashville, Pulaski Academy and Sylvan Hills. He started the baseball program at Pulaski Academy in 1990 and won state championships in 1993 and 1994.

They will be looking to return back to the top of the division in 2010 after a disappointing third place finish in 2009.

Part of their failure to win the division last season was a 4-4 record against Baltimore, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh split with Baltimore and Cleveland and was swept by Cincinnati.

If they would have been able to split with the Bengals and defeat the Browns in both games, the Steelers Lawrence Timmons very well could have been the team atop the division.

Moving on to 2010, Pittsburgh has high aspirations for the season, and that will begin with returning to the top of the AFC North.

When examining the Steelers' offseason moves and their division rivals, the Steelers and their fans should be excited about the potential of winning the division title.