New Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan says new job is 'a dream come true'

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When Art Rooney II told him the news, he tried to keep the smile off his face.

After accepting the position of general manager of the PittsburghSteelers, Khan couldn't keep his emotions in check.

Khan said that when he was sitting down with Art, he tried to control himself from smiling too much. It was a dream come true. I hugged him on the way out. It is awesome.

Kevin Colbert, who had been the general manager for more than two decades, was replaced by Khan, who had spent more than two decades with the organization.

Rooney said that they picked the guy they know well and that it would be a smooth transition.

Khan is the first general manager without a background in talent evaluation since the 1970s, but he doesn't anticipate much change in the way the organization operates.

I think it will be an easy transition, I have a good relationship with Coach T. We have talked about a lot of things. We have spent a lot of time together. It will be a smooth transition.

The Steelers went with a familiar face and a new approach in hiring Khan.

I am confident that time will show this was the right decision for this franchise. I can tell you that I do not take things for granted. I am aware of the expectations that come with this job. I can assure everyone that the expectations I set for myself are even greater.

Khan is the son of two immigrants who were born in New Orleans. His parents are from India and Honduras. After realizing that he wasn't skilled enough to play football, he changed gears and made working in the NFL his dream.

Khan said that today was as much for his parents as it was for him.

He began his career in the New Orleans Saints organization as a player personnel officer.

Khan is the vice president of football and business administration. He will maintain many of those responsibilities, and he is building a staff of front-office members with strong scouting background.

Khan hired a former Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel, a former Detroit Lions vice president of player personnel, and a veteran college and pro scout to senior-level positions. The titles for Khan's hires haven't been decided, and he doesn't know if Kevin Colbert or Brandon Hunt will be on his staff.

I think every good leader understands his strengths and his weaknesses, neither of which I do.

The longstanding policy of not negotiating contracts during the season will continue, he said Friday, though he is open to new ideas.

We are going to look into and use anything that can help us improve or win football games.