Former All-Pro guard Jahri Evans could be on the move again-this time not as a player, but as a coach. According to reports, Evans is being considered for a spot on Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff, potentially adding another chapter to a football life that’s already seen plenty of twists.
Evans, now 42, has quietly been building his coaching résumé since hanging up his cleats. After a standout playing career that began as a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2006, he’s transitioned into a coaching role with the same franchise where he made his name.
He joined New Orleans’ staff in 2022 as part of the NFL’s minority coaching fellowship program, and by 2023, he’d earned a full-time role as an offensive assistant. Just last season, he stepped into the role of assistant offensive line coach-a natural fit for a guy who anchored one of the league’s top units during his playing days.
Evans’ playing career is the stuff of Saints lore. He was a foundational piece of the offensive line for a decade, helping protect Drew Brees and pave the way for a high-powered offense that became a staple of the Sean Payton era.
After his release in 2016, Evans had a brief stint with the Seahawks that didn’t stick, but he quickly found his way back to New Orleans for one more go-round. He wrapped up his playing career with a one-year deal in Green Bay, bringing veteran leadership and stability to the Packers’ line.
Now, Evans is looking to take the next step in his football journey. If he does land on McCarthy’s staff in Pittsburgh, it would reunite him with the coach who led the Packers during Evans’ final NFL season. It also signals a broader trend in the league: former players-especially those with high football IQs and leadership chops-are making the transition to coaching roles at a growing rate.
Evans brings a wealth of experience and credibility to any locker room. As someone who’s been in the trenches, both literally and figuratively, he understands the grind of the offensive line and the nuances that separate good units from great ones. For a Steelers team that’s looking to get nastier and more consistent up front, adding someone with Evans’ background could be a savvy move.
Nothing’s official yet, but the interest is real. And if Evans does join McCarthy in Pittsburgh, don’t be surprised if he quickly becomes a rising name in coaching circles-just like he once was on the field.