The Steelers are bringing in a familiar face to bolster their coaching ranks, hiring Joe Whitt Jr. as their new assistant head coach and secondary coach. The move reunites Whitt with head coach Mike McCarthy, a connection that dates back to their time together in Green Bay.
Whitt, 47, is no stranger to the grind of NFL coaching. His journey began at the college level in 2000 at Auburn, where he served as an assistant receivers coach. From there, he sharpened his skills at The Citadel and Louisville before making the jump to the NFL with the Falcons in 2007.
It didn’t take long for Whitt to climb the coaching ladder. After just one season in Atlanta, he joined the Packers in 2008 as a defensive quality control coach.
By 2009, he was running the cornerbacks room, and over the next decade, he became a staple in Green Bay’s defensive staff. His work developing young corners earned him a promotion to defensive passing game coordinator in 2018.
But when the Packers brought in Matt LaFleur as head coach in 2019, Whitt was one of several staff changes. He landed on his feet in Cleveland, then moved to Atlanta in 2020 as their defensive passing game coordinator. In 2021, he joined the Cowboys in a similar role, working under Dan Quinn, and followed Quinn to Washington in 2024 when Quinn took over as head coach.
Whitt’s most recent stint with the Commanders was a tough one. In 2025, before he was relieved of play-calling duties, Washington’s defense struggled mightily - finishing dead last in total defense and passing defense, 31st in scoring defense, and 29th against the run. It was a rough season, no doubt, but it’s worth noting that Whitt has long been respected for his work with defensive backs and his ability to teach the nuances of coverage schemes.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are clearly looking to reinforce their secondary and add veteran leadership to the coaching staff. With Whitt stepping in as assistant head coach, his role will likely extend beyond just the defensive backfield - offering strategic input across the board and serving as a key voice alongside Mike Tomlin.
This hire isn't just about filling a position. It’s about experience, connection, and trust. Whitt has nearly two decades of NFL coaching experience, and his familiarity with McCarthy - and the demands of high-level football - brings added value to a Steelers team that’s always looking to maintain its defensive edge.