The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for an offensive coordinator is starting to take shape under new head coach Mike McCarthy - and it’s looking like he might turn to a familiar face. According to reports, McCarthy is set to interview current New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien for the job, a move that would reunite the two after several years of working together in both Green Bay and Dallas.
Tolzien’s NFL journey has been tightly intertwined with McCarthy’s. He played quarterback for the Packers from 2013 to 2015 while McCarthy was the head coach, and later joined McCarthy’s staff in Dallas, serving as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach in 2023 and 2024. That shared history could give Tolzien a leg up in the interview process - especially considering McCarthy’s preference for continuity and familiarity when building out his staff.
A seven-year NFL veteran as a player, Tolzien has transitioned into coaching with a growing résumé that includes six years on NFL sidelines. While the Saints’ quarterback room struggled overall last season, there were signs of progress from rookie Tyler Shough, who developed under Tolzien’s guidance and showed flashes of promise late in the year. That kind of growth, even in a tough situation, could speak volumes about Tolzien’s ability to connect with and develop young quarterbacks - something the Steelers desperately need heading into this offseason.
Quarterback will be front and center for McCarthy in his first year with Pittsburgh. Whether it’s evaluating the current roster or looking outside the building, the Steelers need to find answers at the position - and fast. Bringing in someone like Tolzien, who not only understands McCarthy’s system but also has a proven track record working with young signal-callers, could be a crucial step in that process.
And there’s another layer of familiarity here: Tolzien once shared a quarterback room with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay - the same Rodgers who now suits up for the Steelers. That shared history might help bridge the gap between coach and quarterback, and create a smoother transition as Pittsburgh installs a new offense.
If Tolzien is hired, McCarthy will have both his offensive and defensive coordinator spots filled, setting the stage for a new era in Pittsburgh. It’s clear McCarthy is leaning on trusted relationships as he builds his staff - and in Tolzien, he may have found a coach who not only fits his philosophy but also brings upside in a critical area of need.