The Steelers are making another move to round out their coaching staff, and this one has some familiar ties at the top. According to reports, Pittsburgh is expected to bring in TCU assistant linebackers coach Eric Simonelli - a name that might not be on every fan’s radar, but one that has quietly built a well-rounded resume across multiple phases of the game.
Simonelli’s connection to new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is a key part of this hire. The two overlapped during their time with the Dallas Cowboys, where Simonelli worked under McCarthy in a variety of roles.
He wasn’t just pigeonholed into one side of the ball either - Simonelli served as a quality control coach on offense, defense, and special teams. That kind of versatility is rare, and it speaks to both his football IQ and adaptability - two traits that are invaluable on a modern NFL staff.
Before his stint in the NFL, Simonelli got his start at Wesleyan University, where he served as a student assistant coach for more than two years. Even at the college level, he was already showing signs of the multi-faceted approach he’d bring to the pros. During that time, he also did a short stint as an independent football research consultant for the San Francisco 49ers, further adding to his analytical chops.
While the Steelers haven’t announced Simonelli’s exact role just yet, the hire adds another layer to a coaching staff that’s already seen significant restructuring under McCarthy. Pittsburgh currently has coaches in place for both inside and outside linebackers, as well as a defensive quality control coach. So whether Simonelli fills a hybrid role, adds depth to an existing unit, or takes on a new title altogether, what’s clear is that the Steelers are prioritizing coaches who bring range, familiarity with McCarthy’s system, and a modern approach to the game.
Simonelli may not be a headline-grabbing name, but his background suggests a coach who’s been preparing for this kind of opportunity for years. With experience across all three phases and a foundation in analytics, he fits the mold of the kind of assistant who can quietly make a big impact behind the scenes. Keep an eye on how his role unfolds - because in today’s NFL, it’s often these under-the-radar additions that help shape a team’s identity.