The Pittsburgh Steelers have added a new face to their front office, hiring Steve Scarnecchia as Chief of Staff under newly appointed head coach Mike McCarthy. It’s a behind-the-scenes move that won’t grab headlines like a quarterback signing or a big-name coordinator hire, but it could play a key role in shaping how the Steelers operate day-to-day under their new regime.
Scarnecchia brings nearly 20 years of NFL and college football experience to the table, with a résumé that includes stints with the Falcons, Jets, Broncos, and even a stop at Syracuse as a video coordinator. Most recently, he was with the Atlanta Falcons, where he handled a wide range of responsibilities - from organizing practice schedules and coordinating team meetings to managing the football operations budget. In short, he was a key figure in making sure the coaching staff had everything they needed to keep the team running smoothly.
In Atlanta, Scarnecchia essentially served as the logistical backbone of the football operation. According to his Falcons bio, he oversaw the team’s daily schedule, practice planning, and overall football activities calendar. That kind of role might not show up in the box score, but it’s vital for keeping a team on track - especially when a new coaching staff is trying to establish its rhythm.
Scarnecchia’s NFL journey has included multiple stints with the Falcons, a stop with the Jets, and earlier in his career, a controversial exit from the Broncos in 2010. That came after he was found filming a 49ers walkthrough - a violation that led to his dismissal.
He was also with the Patriots video department during the SpyGate era, a period that cast a long shadow over the league and led to the NFL labeling him a "repeat offender." Those chapters are part of his history, and while they’re not easily forgotten, Scarnecchia has continued to work in football, earning opportunities and responsibilities along the way.
He also comes from football lineage. His father, Dante Scarnecchia, is a name well known in NFL circles - a legendary offensive line coach who helped anchor the Patriots’ dynasty during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. While Steve’s path has been different, there’s no denying the football DNA runs deep.
Now in Pittsburgh, Scarnecchia steps into a role that will have him working closely with McCarthy as the Steelers begin a new chapter. With a veteran coach at the helm and a franchise looking to re-establish itself among the AFC’s elite, Scarnecchia’s job will be to make sure the day-to-day operations are running efficiently - from the meeting rooms to the practice field.
It’s not the kind of move that sets social media on fire, but for a team undergoing a leadership transition, having an experienced hand behind the scenes can be just as important as the ones calling plays on Sundays.