McCarthy Coordinators & Coaches

[anpsteel]

I don't think the 3-4 vs. 4-3 is the issue, especially now that most team's base is nickel anyone. You can have success either way, and in theory the Steelers have built their roster around the 3-4.

I'm curious to see what coverage changes are made and how often linebackers are covering slot receivers on critical downs.

Re: the quality of the defense . . . it's hard to say how much of the drop off this year and the lack of big game success goes to the players or coaches. I'm going to go on record and say coaching and personnel usage (which is also coaching). If your players are constantly confused, pointing at each other, shaking their heads . . . the scheme is either too complicated (which i doubt) or it's not set up to take into account different route combinations that teams run. I suspect there were plays where rules weren't designed to account for different routes.

Since LeBeau left they've been playing checkers on the back end.

I expect the defense to better next year via addition by coaching subtraction

The issue, imo, with the Steelers Nickel - is the 2-4 alignment with no real run stoppers at ILB

I mean Harrison is okay- but isn't going to fool anyone into thinking he's capable in coverage

So they end up with 2 down linemen and 2 ILBs that are not shed and fill hitters. Queen, Wilson, and to a letter extent Holcomb, are grab and drag LBs- that struggle getting off blocks...

So- They either need a Levon Kirkland in the middle who can hit and cover or run a 3-3 -5 Nickel

just my thought on the problematic scheme

fwiw: they were running a bunch more 3 down fronts toward the latter part of the season.

[Steeldrama]

So let me see if I’m following today’s hirings

Meyer has THANKFULLY gone off to buffalo to get Josh Allen killed but his replacement was fired from the CAROLINA PANTHERS and hasn’t worked since 2023??

Jason Simmons leaves crappy ass Dan Quinn’s 28th ranked pass defense to help improve the Steelers 29th pass defense???

Our new DC came over from the team with the worst record in all of pro football

AND

An offensive line coach to coach the running backs???

[Steeldrama]

Ya this.

Aren’t you in Georgia? I’m going in April. Will be in Savannah, Charleston and surrounding areas.

Playing Hilton Head, the Ocean Course at Kiawah and like 5-6 others.

Yep

Suwanee GA

I used to frequent Hilton Head, now I'm down to once a year.

Stay at the Sea Pines and hit the Harbour Town Course

Family resort, but it's still good golf (minus the occasional gator).

Pretty sure we are staying at Sea Pines a few of the days and definitely playing Harbor Town. We literally play it a few days after the pros leave.

Nice

The crowds should be cleared out for you although the Heritage is admittedly a good time.

[Greeksteel]

Raider fan I k ow said he liked the DC. For what it’s worth

Same with my Raider fan friend. His words were basically , hes done well with what hes had to work with.

[Greeksteel]

Watched some of the Robert Saleh presser, man i coulda really got behind him as Steelers HC.

[Steeldrama]

Joe Brady

“Im not interested in hiring friends. I only get one opportunity to be a head coach….”

“I am who I am man…. I fucking curse, I slur words I got the worst grammar…but I’m comfortable being me”

Too bad this dude isn’t from Aspinwall or fucking Blawnox

Dig him

[R_S]

Well my guy Monken was named Browns HC

You Schwartz fans could get your wish (but I doubt it)

Speaking of Monken. The Browns just got even worse going from Stefanski to Todd. Great hire!

[R_S]

Pat Graham?

PAT GRAHAM??

Y'all like that???

We USED to be the MOTHER FUCKING PITTSBURGH STEELERS!

Now we're fine with hiring a DC from literally the WORST team in the NFL???

Coaches from 12 playoff teams are free to be interviewed and y'all are happy with the DC from THE last place team?

Talk about being brainwashed by 19 years of Tomlin good freaking gawd.

The Browns another bottom feeder but at least Jim Swartz has a resume.

Bad fit though.

That Wide 9 with TWatt the jogger doesn't mesh with my tiny brain.

Myles Garrett lined up at the hot dog vendor trying to get to Rodgers for the sack record.

If TWatt tried that he wouldn't make it back to gatorade table let alone get anywhere near the quarterback

Content with Mediocrity.

God help us all.

Graham looks like Monte Kiffin or Buddy Ryan compared to Teryl Austin. Get a grip

[Gonzo]

is this art rooney ?
- be happy he's got to be better than the last bum .... right ?

[Steelperch]

Wish we at least interviewed Sean Mannion for the OC role. He should do well in Philly.

[Jobu]

Keep an open mind guys. Tomlin has gotten on with his life’s work.

[franco32]

Tolzien is a very interesting interview for me. Saints fans love the guy and are saying they'd be pissed if he leaves. Apparently he's worked wonders getting Shough up to speed. That could be a great hire as OC because he hasn't been a play caller and this gives him a chance to develop more under McCarthy while also bringing some of his own stuff.

[6Trophies]

Pittsburgh Steelers to hire James Campen as offensive line coach

Campen was McCarthy's offensive line coach for 11 seasons between 2007 and 2018, a time in which both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were routinely kept upright by some of the most consistent units in the league. However, Campen's status as a quality coach in the league has taken a hit lately.

Campen bounced between the Browns, Chargers, and Texans in three straight seasons before a two-season stint with the Carolina Panthers that was such a mess that it got Frank Reich canned after 11 games. Campen hasn't coached in the NFL since the Carolina stint.

The Steelers' lack of excellent offensive line play has been one of the constants that has prevented their offense from truly taking flight in the last few years. Even after using high draft picks on players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Zach Frazier, the unit as a whole lacks cohesion.

If McCarthy can fix the offensive line and identify a quarterback that can be at least stable rather than an active detriment by hiring Campen, he could start laying the foundation for a Steelers team that finally breaks through after years of postseason shortcomings.

[6Trophies]

For what it’s worth, I’m done bashing Mike McCarthy as the Steelers’ new head coach. Three reasons: he’s the guy now, I had no say in the hire, and—most importantly—I’m genuinely glad that Mediocre Mike Tomlin, the perennial NHALS winner, is finally gone.

That also means I’m not going to pre-emptively bash McCarthy’s coaching staff. Judging assistants solely by what happened on their previous teams misses the point. In my view, coaches are gears in a much larger machine. They don’t get to pick the roster, the head coach, or the ownership structure they work under. They’re handed circumstances and asked to make the most of them.

Football teams succeed as the sum of their parts, and synergy matters as much as individual résumés. What really counts is how McCarthy and his staff fit and work together, how they connect with the players, and how effectively they develop and deploy the talent on hand. In the end, they’ll be evaluated the only way that matters: by what shows up on the field on Sundays and the results.

"

[6Trophies]

Some insight into the value McCarthy brings to the Steelers

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/hell- ... -steelers/

[anpsteel]

Watched some of the Robert Saleh presser, man i coulda really got behind him as Steelers HC.

Tha would have ensured that the team moved on from Rodgers lol

[franco32]

Graham is an upgrade over Austin. Campen is an upgrade over Meyer. Nothing flashy but these are solid hires.

[R_S]

For what it’s worth, I’m done bashing Mike McCarthy as the Steelers’ new head coach. Three reasons: he’s the guy now, I had no say in the hire, and—most importantly—I’m genuinely glad that Mediocre Mike Tomlin, the perennial NHALS winner, is finally gone.

That also means I’m not going to pre-emptively bash McCarthy’s coaching staff. Judging assistants solely by what happened on their previous teams misses the point. In my view, coaches are gears in a much larger machine. They don’t get to pick the roster, the head coach, or the ownership structure they work under. They’re handed circumstances and asked to make the most of them.

Football teams succeed as the sum of their parts, and synergy matters as much as individual résumés. What really counts is how McCarthy and his staff fit and work together, how they connect with the players, and how effectively they develop and deploy the talent on hand. In the end, they’ll be evaluated the only way that matters: by what shows up on the field on Sundays and the results.

"

It layman's terms you can't make chicken salad out of chicken shit. Well said.

[swissvale72]

My main impression with McCarthy career and presser

He's soo much more successful and humble than Tomlin

He's SOOOOOO less fulla shit !!

[lifelongsteel]

My main impression with McCarthy career and presser

He's soo much more successful and humble than Tomlin

He's SOOOOOO less fulla shit !!

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc. Winning games was a secondary objective. Makes him a good human. But a mediocre coach.

[pickarooney]

My main impression with McCarthy career and presser

He's soo much more successful and humble than Tomlin

He's SOOOOOO less fulla shit !!

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc. Winning games was a secondary objective. Makes him a good human. But a mediocre coach.

Dead on. Not saying we need an ice-cold Faustian prick like Belichik to succeed, but I wouldn’t mind someone a bit less impersonal with the fellas.

[.Kodiak]

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc

I think that's the BS Tomlin would LIKE people to believe.

But I think the reality is Tomlin quiet quit like 15 years ago after Deuce gave him a lifetime contract. Do just enough - do what you enjoy - to keep making that $20M.

[955876]

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc

I think that's the BS Tomlin would LIKE people to believe.

But I think the reality is Tomlin quiet quit like 15 years ago after Deuce gave him a lifetime contract. Do just enough - do what you enjoy - to keep making that $20M.

This. Because aside from enriching the ass kissers Pittsburgh was the team troubled thugs begged their way off of.

Jibbs wasn’t elevating shit aside from the wallets of his ass lickers.

[steelmann58]

waiting to see who the Oc will be and curious what type of DL he looking for.

[jeemie]

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/repor ... ers-coach/

Adam Henry named WR coach

Most recently with the Bills (yikes) but yes has worked with McCarthy in Dallas

Why is this a "yikes"?

I thought the Bills got a lot out of their receivers this year given the talent level they had.

[Steeldrama]

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/repor ... ers-coach/

Adam Henry named WR coach

Most recently with the Bills (yikes) but yes has worked with McCarthy in Dallas

Why is this a "yikes"?

I thought the Bills got a lot out of their receivers this year given the talent level they had.

Google Keon Coleman

But yes STD’s guy Shakir a nice player

[jeemie]

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/repor ... ers-coach/

Adam Henry named WR coach

Most recently with the Bills (yikes) but yes has worked with McCarthy in Dallas

Why is this a "yikes"?

I thought the Bills got a lot out of their receivers this year given the talent level they had.

Google Keon Coleman

But yes STD’s guy Shakir a nice player

You can't blame every head case on the coaching.

And Keon was a head case.

Plus not the kind of receiver Allen has generally meshed well with in the past.

[anpsteel]

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc

I think that's the BS Tomlin would LIKE people to believe.

But I think the reality is Tomlin quiet quit like 15 years ago after Deuce gave him a lifetime contract. Do just enough - do what you enjoy - to keep making that $20M.

Yeah, he was in work smarter mode, imo

Rather than develop unique game plans for each opponent, he would start out doing what they do, and make adjustments, if he thought they were necessary, at halftime

Understanding his model was to, not lose, and hopefully win the game with a 4 min drive to kill the clock and kick a field goal

[Steeldrama]

Why is this a "yikes"?

I thought the Bills got a lot out of their receivers this year given the talent level they had.

Google Keon Coleman

But yes STD’s guy Shakir a nice player

You can't blame every head case on the coaching.

And Keon was a head case.

Plus not the kind of receiver Allen has generally meshed well with in the past.

The Bills LOVED Coleman’s personality

The coaching staff “Banged the table” for embattled GM Brandon Beane to draft him.

Bad attitude?

Ok

He got benched for that

You want head case?

George Pickens was labeled a “head case”

AB was labeled a BIG TIME HEAD CASE

Countless others

Doesn’t impact their ability to play football or take to coaching

Coleman is a bust for the same reason Broderick Jones is a bust

They were reaches to fill needs

Their position coaches failed to develop them

The same position coaches that are no longer with their team

Instead of labeling a kid something he isn’t, just say my post upset you because you want to be positive and give Mike McCarthy and his new staff a chance

I’ll have a lot more respect for you than saying a coach you want to like but know NOTHING about couldn’t develop a player because he is a “head case”

Weak sauce dude

[Rod & Wire Mill]

I believe that Tomlin viewed himself as a leader of men and helper of souls first, football coach second. His primary goals were to help friends who needed help, grow troubled young men into upstanding citizens, etc etc

I think that's the BS Tomlin would LIKE people to believe.

But I think the reality is Tomlin quiet quit like 15 years ago after Deuce gave him a lifetime contract. Do just enough - do what you enjoy - to keep making that $20M.

Yeah, he was in work smarter mode, imo

Rather than develop unique game plans for each opponent, he would start out doing what they do, and make adjustments, if he thought they were necessary, at halftime

Understanding his model was to, not lose, and hopefully win the game with a 4 min drive to kill the clock and kick a field goal

Totally agree and well said. That model meshed perfectly with the League’s current business model, and of course, with Ben, the goat of late game heroics.