Steelers fans know it is a question of “when” and not “if,” but they’d prefer when be “later” as opposed to “now.”  And for good reason.  But “now” be coming here in the 2014 off season. The event in question is the departure of Pittsburgh Steelers director of football administration Omar Khan for the general manager’s slot at another team.

Although he’s only age 36, Khan is one of the hottest up and coming names in the NFL front office ecosystem. He’s already interviewed for multiple NFL general manager positions, most recently that of the New York Jets in 2013. Kevin Colbert acknowledged that the Steelers loss of Khan would be inevitable at some point, and the Steelers have prepared for that day by bringing in salary cap guru Samir Suleiman.

• ESPN’s Scott Brown is reporting that the Miami Dolphins are requesting permission to interview Omar Khan for their vacant General Manager’s position.

Art Rooney II will certainly grant permission. The Steelers rarely if ever attempt to prevent their younger asistants from seeking better opportunities. Dan Rooney allowed Tom Donahoe to interview for the presidency of the Seattle Seahawks in 1998. He let Tom Modrak go to Philadelphia shorly after Donahoe declined Paul Allen’s offer. Doug Whaley is left Pittsburgh to become the GM of the Buffalo Bills.

• While Khan is a hot commodity, he is no shoe in to get the job in Miami. 

Brown is reporting that the Dolphins will also interview Cardinals vice president of player personnel Jason Licht, Browns assistant general manager Ray Farmer, Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross and Titans vice president of personnel Lake Dawson. Miami will also conduct an in-house interview with assistant general manager Brian Gaine.

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