Steelers Coaching Staff Taking Shape Under Mike McCarthy: Who’s In, Who’s Next
Mike McCarthy’s first coaching staff in Pittsburgh is starting to come together-and it's already clear he’s leaning on familiarity and continuity as he builds his new-look Steelers. With a handful of key hires already made and several positions still open, the early blueprint suggests a blend of trusted lieutenants, fresh voices, and a few returning faces from the Mike Tomlin era.
Let’s break down where things stand so far and what it tells us about McCarthy’s vision for the 2026 Steelers.
Offensive Coordinator - Still Vacant, But the Shortlist Is Taking Shape
Three names have emerged as candidates for McCarthy’s offensive coordinator: Brian Angelichio (Vikings passing game coordinator), Scott Tolzien (Saints quarterbacks coach), and Lunda Wells (Cowboys tight ends coach). All three bring different flavors of offensive experience, but they share one common thread-some level of familiarity with McCarthy’s system or coaching tree.
Wells’ interview will satisfy the Rooney Rule requirement for the position. Tolzien, meanwhile, won’t be available to meet until after his Senior Bowl coaching duties wrap up on Saturday. Until then, the OC picture remains in flux.
Quarterbacks Coach - Tom Arth
Tom Arth is one of just three coaches retained from Tomlin’s final staff, and there’s a strong connection here. Arth played quarterback under McCarthy in Green Bay back in 2006, and now he’ll be tasked with helping develop whoever lines up under center for Pittsburgh in 2026.
This is a continuity hire with a personal connection, and it gives McCarthy a trusted hand in the quarterback room-arguably the most important room in the building.
Running Backs Coach - Ramon Chinyoung
Ramon Chinyoung comes over from Dallas, where he worked under McCarthy as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive quality control coach. He stayed on staff even after McCarthy stepped away, working under Brian Schottenheimer in 2025.
Now, he takes over the running backs room in Pittsburgh. While it’s a shift in positional focus, his background in offensive line work could be a big plus in designing a more physical, downhill run game.
Wide Receivers Coach - Adam Henry
Adam Henry joins the Steelers after three seasons coaching wideouts in Buffalo. Before that, he had a stint at Indiana and worked under McCarthy in Dallas from 2020-21.
Henry’s track record includes developing young receivers and bringing consistency to position groups. That experience will be key in Pittsburgh, where the receiver room has talent but needs sharper execution and discipline.
James Campen - Title TBD, But Experience Is Undeniable
James Campen, 61, is no stranger to McCarthy. The two worked together in Green Bay from 2006 through 2018. Since then, Campen’s been around the league, coaching offensive lines in Cleveland, LA, Houston, and Carolina.
While his official title hasn’t been announced, expect something like senior offensive assistant or run-game coordinator. Whatever the role, Campen brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of McCarthy’s offensive philosophy.
Jahri Evans - Title TBD, Likely OL Coach
Jahri Evans, a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, has been rising through the coaching ranks with the Saints since 2022. He played for McCarthy in Green Bay during his final NFL season in 2017.
The Steelers are expected to elevate Evans to a full position coach role, likely as the offensive line coach. That would be a significant step forward in his coaching career-and a logical one, given his playing pedigree and connection to McCarthy.
Tight Ends Coach - Still Vacant
This is one of the remaining offensive vacancies. With Lunda Wells currently in the mix for the OC job, it’s possible his name could resurface here if he’s not tapped for the coordinator role.
Defensive Coordinator - Patrick Graham
Patrick Graham brings serious defensive chops to Pittsburgh. A Yale alum with a cerebral approach to the game, Graham has built a reputation for maximizing talent-even when the roster isn’t stacked.
His coaching roots trace back to Bill Belichick’s Patriots, but he also served as McCarthy’s DC in Green Bay in 2018. That familiarity could be key as McCarthy looks to re-establish a tough, disciplined identity on defense.
Defensive Passing Game Coordinator - Jason Simmons
Jason Simmons was in the running for the defensive coordinator job, but with the Commanders going in a different direction, Simmons returns to Pittsburgh in a lateral move. He coached under McCarthy in Green Bay from 2011 to 2019, and now reunites with his former boss.
This is a savvy move-Simmons brings both experience and continuity to the secondary.
Secondary Coach - Gerald Alexander
Gerald Alexander is one of the few holdovers from the 2025 Steelers staff and the only coach so far without a direct McCarthy connection. However, he did work with Patrick Graham in Las Vegas in 2024, so there’s still a thread of familiarity.
Alexander’s return ensures some continuity in the defensive backfield, which could help ease the transition under Graham’s system.
Linebackers Coach - Scott McCurley
A New Castle, Pa., native, Scott McCurley has been with McCarthy nearly every step of the way. He started coaching in 2006 and spent 13 years in Green Bay and four more in Dallas. When McCarthy took a break in 2025, McCurley came home to Pittsburgh-one year ahead of his longtime mentor.
Now, he’s back in his element, leading the linebacker corps for a defense that’s always prided itself on toughness in the middle.
Defensive Line Coach - Still Vacant
This spot remains open for now. It’s a key hire, especially in Pittsburgh, where defensive line play has long been a cornerstone of the team's identity.
Special Teams Coordinator - Still Vacant
The Steelers were reportedly eyeing Bubba Ventrone for this job, but he took the gig with the Rams instead. That leaves another key role still up for grabs.
Final Thoughts
McCarthy’s staff is coming together with a clear pattern: trusted voices from his past, a few new names with upside, and a couple of strategic holdovers to bridge the transition. There’s still work to do-most notably at offensive coordinator, tight ends coach, defensive line coach, and special teams-but the foundation is being laid.
If nothing else, it’s a staff built on familiarity, loyalty, and a shared vision-something that could go a long way in helping the Steelers turn the page and start a new chapter under McCarthy’s leadership.