The Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh is officially underway - and it’s starting with a full coaching cabinet.
The Steelers have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season, and it’s a group that blends NFL experience, fresh energy, and a few notable firsts. With 25 coaches on board - three more than last year’s staff - McCarthy is clearly building out a deep and specialized team as he takes the reins of his childhood franchise.
Among the new faces are tight ends coach Robert Kugler and game management/quarterbacks coach Tim Berbenich. Kugler arrives in Pittsburgh straight from a Super Bowl run with the Patriots, where he served as an assistant offensive line coach.
He’s also got local ties, having played high school ball at North Allegheny - a homecoming of sorts for the 32-year-old coach. Meanwhile, Berbenich steps into a brand-new role for the Steelers, marking the first time the franchise has hired a dedicated game management coach.
He brings experience from Sean McVay’s Rams and most recently served in a similar capacity with Raheem Morris in Atlanta.
Justus Galac, a familiar name in the strength and conditioning department, is staying on as an assistant, providing some continuity in a season of big changes.
Now that the staff is in place, the next big task for McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan is shaping the roster. There’s buzz around a potential return for quarterback Aaron Rodgers - both sides are reportedly open to it - but nothing is set in stone. With the legal tampering window for free agents opening on March 9, we’ll soon get a clearer picture of how McCarthy and Khan plan to mold this team for 2026.
Here’s a full breakdown of the finalized Steelers coaching staff heading into the season:
Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Brian Angelichio Former Vikings pass game coordinator and tight ends coach. Angelichio brings a reputation for maximizing tight end production and crafting efficient passing schemes - something that could be key if the Steelers continue to build around a veteran quarterback.
- Quarterbacks: Tom Arth Retained from the previous staff, Arth stays on to provide continuity in the QB room.
- Offensive Line: James Campen Last seen coaching the Panthers’ offensive line (2022-23), Campen is a seasoned O-line coach with a track record of building tough, cohesive units.
- Running Backs: Ramon Chinyoung Sr. Former Cowboys assistant offensive line coach, now stepping into a more specialized role. His background in the trenches could bring a physical edge to the Steelers’ run game.
- Wide Receivers: Adam Henry Most recently with the Bills, Henry is known for his work developing young receivers and could be a crucial piece in elevating Pittsburgh’s pass-catching corps.
- Tight Ends: Robert Kugler Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance with New England, Kugler brings energy and recent postseason experience to the role.
- Senior Offensive Assistant: Frank Cignetti Jr. Former Packers quarterbacks coach, Cignetti adds another veteran voice to the offensive brain trust.
- Game Management/Quarterbacks: Tim Berbenich A first for the Steelers, this role reflects the growing importance of situational awareness and clock management in today’s NFL. Berbenich’s experience under McVay and Morris makes him a valuable addition.
- Assistant Offensive Line: Jahri Evans Former Saints assistant offensive line coach and a former All-Pro guard himself, Evans brings both teaching chops and playing credibility.
- Offensive Quality Control: Eric Simonelli Comes over from TCU, where he worked with linebackers. A young coach with a defensive background now helping shape the offense - an intriguing crossover.
Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Graham Former Raiders DC, Graham is known for his multiple-look schemes and adaptability. He’ll be tasked with revamping a defense that needs to get back to its hard-nosed roots.
- Assistant Head Coach/Secondary: Joe Whitt Jr. Former Commanders DC, Whitt brings leadership and deep secondary experience to the table.
- Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs: Jason Simmons Another Commanders alum, Simmons adds further expertise to the back end of the defense.
- Defensive Line: Domata Peko Former NFL nose tackle and Colorado DL coach, Peko brings a player’s perspective to the trenches. Expect a gritty, physical approach from his unit.
- Outside Linebackers: C.J. Ah You Former Texas Tech coach, Ah You takes over a position group that’s long been a Pittsburgh hallmark. His job?
Keep the edge rush tradition alive.
- Inside Linebackers: Scott McCurley Retained from the previous staff, McCurley offers some familiarity and consistency in the middle of the defense.
- Defensive Assistants: Shawn Howe and Pat Reilly Howe comes from Montana, where he served as defensive coordinator, while Reilly makes the transition from an offensive assistant role with the Texans. Two young minds with different backgrounds, both expected to contribute to the defensive game plan.
Special Teams
- Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Crossman Former Dolphins coordinator, Crossman brings decades of experience and a knack for getting the most out of his units.
- Senior Special Teams Assistant: Derius Swinton II Former Raiders interim special teams coordinator, Swinton adds another seasoned voice to the third phase of the game.
Strength and Conditioning
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach: Justus Galac One of the few holdovers from last year’s staff, Galac stays on to help keep the team physically prepared for the grind of the season.
With McCarthy now surrounded by a full staff, the foundation is in place. From here, it’s about personnel - who stays, who goes, and who arrives to help reshape the Steelers in McCarthy’s image.
The coaching staff is a blend of experienced minds and fresh perspectives, and it’s clear the Steelers are investing in every phase of the game. Now, the real work begins.