The Pittsburgh Steelers are still deep in the hunt for their next offensive coordinator, and their latest target brings both youth and a direct connection to one of the league’s more established coaching philosophies. The team has officially requested to interview Scott Tolzien, currently the assistant and quarterbacks coach with the New Orleans Saints.
Tolzien’s name might ring a bell for fans who remember his days as a quarterback in the NFL, most notably with the Green Bay Packers from 2013 to 2015. That’s where his ties to Mike McCarthy began-he played under McCarthy in Green Bay and later joined his coaching staff when McCarthy transitioned to the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, Tolzien has been steadily climbing the coaching ladder, and now he’s starting to turn heads across the league.
After beginning his coaching career in 2019 as an offensive assistant, Tolzien earned a promotion to quarterbacks coach with the Cowboys in 2023. He carried that role into 2025 with the Saints, where he’s made perhaps his biggest mark yet-mentoring rookie quarterback Tyler Shough into one of the most impressive young players in the league.
Shough, a second-round pick, wasn’t necessarily expected to light it up in his first year, but under Tolzien’s guidance, he’s done exactly that. His poise, decision-making, and command of the offense have made him a legitimate contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Right now, he’s sitting with the second-best odds at multiple sportsbooks, trailing only Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
That kind of player development doesn’t go unnoticed-especially by a team like the Steelers, who are in the middle of reimagining what their offense can be. Pittsburgh’s staff leans older, with McCarthy now 62, so Tolzien’s youth and energy could bring a fresh dynamic to the building. More importantly, his familiarity with McCarthy’s system and his recent track record of developing talent make him a compelling option.
No final decision has been made yet, but this interview is more than just a formality-it’s a clear sign the Steelers are serious about finding a modern, innovative voice to help lead their offense forward. Tolzien’s rise through the coaching ranks has been steady and impressive, and now he’s on the doorstep of a major opportunity.