The Tribune-Review reports that Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin plans to reach out to Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca before the start of the Steelers’ next minicamps, which are about three weeks away.

Faneca was already critical earlier this offseason of the team’s decision to promote Tomlin to head coach. However, both sides need to work hard to get a deal done, as the Steelers desperately need Faneca if they hope to establish their presence in the division in 2007. Both Baltimore and Cincinnati will fight hard for the AFC North, and it will be difficult for the Steelers to fend off those two teams, especially with the coaching changes.

Tomlin has, however, earned the respect of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“I think it went well,” Roethlisberger said. “He kind of sat back and watched a lot, which is good because I think that’s the way he is. He likes to feel us out. That’s what he did. He stood back and watched.

“The thing I liked about him is he walked around and watched every position’s drills. He wasn’t just watching one group or the other. He was walking around and I think everybody appreciated that he was interested in everybody.”

Tomlin said he was happy with the learning that took place on offense but, “We’ve got miles to go before we sleep, as they say, from that standpoint.”

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