THE SIDELINES : Brazil to Run Steelers’ Defense

David Brazil, who came to Pittsburgh last year when Rod Rust was hired to run the Steelers’ defense, was named today to replace his former boss as defensive coordinator.

Brazil, 53, worked under Rust for two seasons, with Kansas City in 1988 and the Steelers last season. He has coached for 30 seasons, including 10 in Michigan high schools.

Rust was hired Tuesday as the New England Patriots’ coach.

Meanwhile, free-agent quarterback Randy Wright confirmed he has reached terms with the Steelers on a pair of one-year contracts. Wright will be paid $350,000 in 1990, including a signing and reporting bonus, the Post-Gazette reported.

Wright, 29, who did not play last season after being cut by Green Bay at the end of training camp, also had been courted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a backup to starter Vinny Testaverde.