The Steelers have turned the page on the Mike Tomlin era after 19 years. To put it into perspective, Tomlin started coaching the Steelers before most people knew what an iPhone was. The Steelers are looking to build on their 10-7 season a year ago under new head coach Mike McCarthy, who comes over from the Cowboys. Brian Angelichio will be the new offensive coordinator. Aaron Rodgers returns as the starting quarterback. Jaylen Warren returns as the lead running back, and the Steelers have upgraded the running back room with Rico Dowdle as they look to replace the production of the departed Kenneth Gainwell. Pittsburgh returns five of their top eight pass catchers from a year ago, including DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and Michael Pittman, who comes over from the Colts. Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, and Dylan Cook return to the offensive line, along with Brock Hoffman, who adds depth coming over from Dallas.
Patrick Graham comes over from Las Vegas and will be the Steelers’ next defensive coordinator. The Steelers return their top seven tacklers from a year ago, and Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Cole Holcomb make up a talented and veteran front seven. Pittsburgh also welcomes in Sebastian Joseph-Day from Tennessee and Notre Dame rookie Gabriel Rubio. The secondary returns Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter, Asante Samuel, and Brandin Echols, while DeShon Elliott will start the season on injured reserve. Pittsburgh welcomes in Jamel Dean from Tampa, Rayshawn Jenkins from Cleveland, and Jaquan Brisker from Chicago.
Danny Crossman will be the Steelers’ special teams coach. Chris Boswell returns after connecting on 84% of his attempts last year, and Cameron Johnston returns as punter. A bright spot for Pittsburgh in the return game will be the electric Kaden Wetjen, who was one of college football’s premier return specialists at Iowa. He could be a household name by year’s end. Things will feel different in Pittsburgh with a new coaching staff. Aaron Rodgers can make all the short passes, but can this team get better at explosive downfield plays?