The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to a familiar face from NFL trenches to fill their defensive line coaching vacancy, hiring longtime nose tackle Domata Peko to replace Karl Dunbar. It's a move that blends experience, leadership, and a rising coaching résumé - and it fits right into Pittsburgh’s recent trend of injecting youth and fresh energy into their staff.
Peko’s name carries weight in NFL circles, especially for anyone who followed AFC North football in the late 2000s and 2010s. Drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State back in 2006, Peko carved out a 15-year career in the league, most notably anchoring the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive front for over a decade.
His role was never flashy - he wasn’t racking up sacks or chasing down quarterbacks - but he was the kind of interior presence that made life miserable for opposing run games. A true space-eater, Peko was the definition of a reliable nose tackle, and his consistency in the trenches earned him widespread respect across the league.
After his long Bengals run, Peko added stints with the Broncos, Ravens, and Cardinals before hanging up the cleats. But retirement didn’t mean stepping away from the game.
He transitioned to coaching in 2024, joining Mike McCarthy’s staff in Dallas as a defensive assistant. That opportunity came in part thanks to Mike Zimmer - the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator at the time - who had coached Peko during their shared years in Cincinnati.
That connection opened the door, but Peko’s work ethic and football IQ kept him in the room.
Most recently, Peko served as the defensive line coach under Deion Sanders at Colorado this past season. It was a short but impactful stint in Boulder, and now, just a year into his college coaching career, he’s making the leap back to the NFL - this time, on the sidelines.
At 41, Peko brings a unique blend of relatability and experience. He’s not far removed from his playing days, which makes him a natural bridge between coaching staff and players.
He’s walked the walk in the league, and now he’s teaching it. For a Steelers team that prides itself on physicality and defensive toughness, bringing in a coach who lived in the trenches for over a decade makes a lot of sense.
This hire also continues a clear trend for Pittsburgh. Over the past few days, the Steelers have added several younger coaches to the staff, signaling a shift toward fresh perspectives and long-term development. Peko fits that mold perfectly - a fast riser in the coaching world with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
For a franchise built on defensive identity, adding a guy like Domata Peko - who made a career out of doing the dirty work in the middle - feels like a move that’s both forward-thinking and true to the Steelers’ DNA.