The Mike Tomlin era is officially in the rearview mirror for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while the hiring of Mike McCarthy might not scream “new direction” to some fans, it’s the move the franchise has made. Like it or not, McCarthy is now the man in charge, and the success of his tenure will hinge on more than just his own philosophy - it’ll depend heavily on the staff he builds around him.
So far, the coaching staff is a blank slate. No hires have been announced, but the clock is ticking.
McCarthy, a veteran NFL coach with a Super Bowl ring and years of experience, knows the importance of surrounding himself with the right minds. Especially in Year One with a new team, the staff can make or break the transition.
And while the offensive coordinator position will naturally draw fan attention, it’s important to remember that McCarthy is expected to handle play-calling duties himself. That makes the OC role less about scheme control and more about collaboration and development.
The real pressure points on this staff? Defense, the trenches, and the secondary.
Defensive Coordinator: The Keystone Hire
McCarthy has made a name for himself on the offensive side of the ball. That means the Steelers will need a defensive coordinator who can take full command of that unit - someone with a strong voice, a sharp football mind, and the ability to lead a group that’s long been the backbone of Pittsburgh football.
Two names to keep an eye on: Patrick Graham and Raheem Morris.
Graham brings familiarity and resilience. He worked with McCarthy back in 2018 during their time in Green Bay, and he’s shown an ability to do more with less in Las Vegas.
Despite a thin roster, his Raiders defenses have consistently hovered around the middle of the league - not flashy, but solid. That kind of performance with limited personnel speaks to Graham’s ability to scheme and adapt.
Raheem Morris, meanwhile, offers championship pedigree. He helped guide the Rams to a Super Bowl title and has years of experience as both a coordinator and head coach.
He’s not connected to McCarthy from past stops, but his track record speaks for itself. If the Steelers want a proven leader to take over the defense, Morris would be a strong candidate.
There’s also a wildcard in Al Harris. While he’s never held a coordinator title, he’s coached some ball-hawking secondaries in recent years and has a long-standing relationship with McCarthy dating back to their Green Bay days. He’s an intriguing option, but with the stakes this high, Pittsburgh may lean toward a more seasoned play-caller.
Offensive Line Coach: A Developmental Anchor
The Steelers have started to rebuild their offensive line, and there’s real promise on the right side. The center, right guard, and right tackle spots look solid moving forward.
Broderick Jones, the team’s young left tackle, is still developing - and that development is crucial. After spending his early years bouncing around, he needs a stable voice to help him grow into the franchise cornerstone Pittsburgh hopes he can be.
That’s why the offensive line coach hire is so important. This team doesn’t just need a technician - it needs a mentor, a teacher, someone who can mold a young group into a cohesive, physical unit.
Pat Meyer, the current O-line coach, hasn’t done enough to earn a guaranteed return. If McCarthy wants to take this unit to the next level, a fresh voice is needed.
Joe Philbin is one name that could make sense. He worked with McCarthy in Dallas, where the Cowboys’ line was consistently one of the league’s best.
While those players were already established, Philbin helped maintain a high standard. He fits the mold of what McCarthy might look for: experienced, familiar, and capable of developing talent.
Secondary Coach: Youth Movement Needed
The Steelers’ secondary was supposed to be a strength heading into 2025. Instead, it turned into a liability.
Jalen Ramsey showed signs of decline, and Darius Slay’s play fell off dramatically from his 2024 form. The result? A once-promising unit became a revolving door of missed assignments and aging legs.
The path forward is clear: get younger, faster, and more consistent. Joey Porter Jr. remains the brightest spot in the group, and James Pierre had a breakout season - though his long-term reliability is still up for debate.
The Steelers can’t afford to rely on aging veterans anymore. It’s time to invest in the future.
That investment starts with the coaching staff. Gerald Alexander is currently overseeing the defensive backs, and while he’s not necessarily the problem, a new voice could bring a fresh perspective.
This is where Al Harris might make more sense. He’s coached up young, talented defensive backs in Dallas and Chicago, including names like Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jaylon Johnson. If he’s not ready for a coordinator role, stepping in as DBs coach could be a natural fit - especially if the Steelers are serious about revamping the room with youth and upside.
Continuity vs. Change
Not every coach on the current staff needs to be shown the door. There are a handful of assistants who’ve earned a shot to stick around. Coaches like Tom Arth, Zach Azzani, Eddie Faulkner, Denzel Martin, and Alfredo Roberts have all contributed in meaningful ways and could provide some much-needed continuity during a time of transition.
Still, it’s likely that McCarthy will want to bring in his own people - that’s the nature of the business. But it’s about finding the right balance: keeping the coaches who can help build the bridge to the future while injecting new energy and ideas where they’re needed most.
Bottom Line
Mike McCarthy’s return to the sidelines in Pittsburgh is already one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2026 offseason. But the real story will be written in the weeks ahead, as he assembles the staff that will define his era with the Steelers.
The head coach sets the tone, but it’s the assistants who do the day-to-day work of building a team. If McCarthy nails the big hires - especially at defensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and defensive backs coach - he’ll give himself a real shot at early success.
This is a pivotal moment for the Steelers. The right coaching staff won’t just help them compete in 2026 - it could set the foundation for the next chapter of Pittsburgh football.