Steelers Ground Air Erhardt; Gailey Expected To Take Over

Goodbye, Air Erhardt.

Thursday, only four days after Neil O’Donnell’s three interceptions doomed the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt’s contract was not renewed.

Also out: tight ends coach Pat Hodgson, once a New York Giants assistant coach with Erhardt. Possibly in: receivers coach Chan Gailey, who probably will be promoted to offensive coordinator.

Gailey, once the Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator, was largely responsible for the radically reshaped Steelers offense that shifted its emphasis from the run to the pass this season.

Erhardt, who will be 65 next month, probably will rejoin coach Bill Parcells’ staff in New England or retire.

Cowboys’ quarterback Troy Aikman conceded that his passing arm is more seriously injured than first thought.

The three-time Super Bowl winner has scheduled arthroscopic surgery with a renowned orthopedic specialist to relieve pain from degenerative arthritis, deteriorating cartilage and floating bone fragments. Dr. James Andrews will perform the fifth operation Aikman has undergone in his seven-year career Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala.