The Steelers are casting a wide net in their search for a new special teams coordinator, and one of the names on their radar is a familiar one within AFC North circles. According to reports, Pittsburgh has submitted an interview request for Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, signaling serious interest in the veteran coach.
This move puts the Steelers in competition with the Los Angeles Rams, who have also requested to speak with Ventrone about the same position. While both teams are in the mix, some around the league view the Rams as the more likely destination. Still, Pittsburgh’s interest is notable - especially given the divisional connection and Ventrone’s respected reputation across the league.
At 43, Ventrone brings a wealth of experience both on the field and on the sidelines. A former linebacker who went undrafted out of Villanova in 2005, he carved out a nearly decade-long playing career with the Patriots, Jets, Browns, and 49ers. Known for his toughness and special teams prowess as a player, Ventrone quickly transitioned to coaching once he hung up the cleats in 2014.
He got his start with the Patriots - no surprise given his ties to New England - serving as an assistant special teams coach from 2015 to 2017. From there, he took over as the Colts’ special teams coordinator in 2018, building a reputation for aggressive, well-drilled units. The Browns brought him aboard in the same role in 2023, but with new head coach Todd Monken assembling his own staff, Ventrone is not expected to return to Cleveland.
That opens the door for a new chapter, and both Pittsburgh and Los Angeles are clearly intrigued by what he could bring to their respective units. For the Steelers, it would be an especially interesting hire - not just because of the AFC North crossover, but also because Ventrone’s coaching style aligns with the physical, detail-oriented identity Pittsburgh has long embraced.
Whether he lands in L.A. or Pittsburgh, Ventrone’s next move will be one to watch. He’s a coach with a strong track record, a player’s mindset, and a knack for getting the most out of his units - qualities that make him a valuable asset in today’s NFL.