The Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing a familiar name with serious credentials as they build out Mike McCarthy’s new coaching staff. According to reports, the Steelers have requested permission to interview New Orleans Saints assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans for a position under McCarthy. While the exact role hasn’t been confirmed, the move could represent a step up for Evans-something the Saints wouldn’t be able to block if it qualifies as a promotion.
Evans has been part of the Saints’ coaching staff since 2022, transitioning into an offensive assistant role in 2023. But his connection to New Orleans runs much deeper than the last couple of seasons.
Before stepping into coaching, Evans carved out a dominant career on the field, earning five All-Pro selections and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Drafted in the fourth round back in 2006 out of Bloomsburg, Evans became a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line, starting 179 games over 11 seasons and playing a key role in the franchise’s Super Bowl XLIV title run.
He closed out his playing career with the Green Bay Packers in 2017-coincidentally under McCarthy, who was the head coach in Green Bay at the time. That connection could help explain why Evans is now on the Steelers’ radar. There’s already a level of trust and familiarity between the two, and McCarthy knows firsthand what Evans brings to a locker room, both as a leader and a technician in the trenches.
The Steelers also plan to interview Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien for their offensive coordinator vacancy. Tolzien, like Evans, has ties to McCarthy-he served as a backup quarterback under him in Green Bay for three seasons and later worked as an assistant on McCarthy’s staff in Dallas from 2020 through 2024. It’s clear McCarthy is looking to surround himself with people who understand his system, his expectations, and his approach to building a cohesive offense.
As for Evans, this potential move to Pittsburgh would mark his first coaching job outside of New Orleans. But it wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory. Between his time playing for McCarthy and his deep understanding of offensive line play, Evans could be a strong fit for a Steelers team looking to reestablish its identity up front.
And while his coaching résumé is still in its early stages, Evans' playing career speaks volumes. He’s currently a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026-an acknowledgment of just how dominant he was during his time in the league. If he brings even a fraction of that excellence to the coaching ranks, the Steelers could be getting a major asset on their sideline.