After 19 seasons at the helm, Mike Tomlin has officially stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers - a seismic shift for one of the NFL’s most stable franchises. For nearly two decades, Tomlin was the constant, guiding Pittsburgh through highs, lows, and everything in between. But now, with his departure, the Steelers enter unfamiliar territory: a full-scale reset.
And that reset is already starting to take shape.
With Tomlin out, the quarterback situation becomes even murkier. The Aaron Rodgers experiment - already more rumor than reality - now feels all but dead.
Even if Rodgers still wants to play, the connection that tied him to Pittsburgh likely walked out the door with Tomlin. That means the Steelers are back to square one at the most important position in football.
But the quarterback question is just the beginning. A new head coach typically brings a new vision, and with it, a new staff.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is reportedly drawing interest from other teams, both for head coaching roles and lateral moves. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s future is also uncertain.
In short, expect turnover - and plenty of it.
Most Steelers fans can live with that. Change is part of the deal when a franchise icon steps aside. But there’s one name on the coaching staff that fans in Pittsburgh are hoping sticks around no matter who takes over: Danny Smith.
The Case for Keeping Danny Smith
If you’ve watched Steelers football over the last decade, you know Danny Smith. Maybe it’s the signature wad of gum that never seems to shrink, or his animated sideline presence. But beyond the quirks, Smith has been one of the most consistent and effective special teams coordinators in the league since joining the staff in 2013.
He’s Pittsburgh born and bred, a local guy who’s become a fixture on the sidelines. But more importantly, he’s a coach who gets results.
Chris Boswell? One of the most reliable kickers in the league - developed under Smith’s watch.
Darrius Heyward-Bey? His NFL career found new life on special teams, thanks in large part to how Smith utilized him.
Miles Killebrew? A two-time Pro Bowler as a special teams ace, thriving in the schemes Smith designs week after week.
Whether it's dialing up a fake punt, scheming for blocked kicks, or coaching up players to force fumbles in coverage, Smith’s units have consistently delivered. He’s turned special teams - often an overlooked phase of the game - into a legitimate strength for the Steelers.
That kind of impact doesn’t go unnoticed in a city like Pittsburgh, where fans value grit, loyalty, and results. And right now, Steelers Nation is making it clear: they want Danny Smith to stay.
What the Front Office Is Saying
So far, there’s been no firm commitment to any current assistant coaches. Steelers owner Art Rooney II addressed the situation earlier in the week, saying that while some assistants could be retained, it would ultimately be up to the new head coach to decide who stays.
"You know, right now I don't think that anybody on our staff is a candidate," Rooney said. "Maybe a candidate to stay on the staff, depending on what the new head coach wants to do, but probably not as a head coach."
That’s about as open-ended as it gets. And according to team sources, every assistant coach has been told they’re free to explore other opportunities. Contracts run through the end of February, but unless the new head coach specifically wants to bring someone back, the slate will be wiped clean.
Still, longtime Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac noted that fans shouldn’t assume a total overhaul is inevitable. Some coaches may be retained - but again, only if the incoming head coach wants them.
That brings us back to Smith.
A Message to the Next Head Coach
There’s a lot to figure out in Pittsburgh right now - from the quarterback situation to the identity of the next head coach. But amid all the uncertainty, one thing is clear: if there’s one assistant worth fighting to keep, it’s Danny Smith.
He’s been a steady hand through multiple regimes. He’s earned the respect of his players and the admiration of fans. And he continues to produce one of the most effective special teams units in the league.
Unless the 72-year-old decides to walk away on his own terms after three decades in the NFL, there’s no reason to move on. Pittsburgh’s third phase has been in good hands for over a decade - and if the new head coach is smart, it’ll stay that way.
So here’s the message from Steelers fans to whoever takes over next: you can change the offense, overhaul the defense, and bring in your own people. But leave Danny Smith right where he is - chomping gum and coaching up one of the best special teams groups in football.