Steelers Suffer Big Loss As Rising Star Coach Gets Quickly Stolen

The Pittsburgh Steelers hired a new coach in Anthony Midget in March of 2024, and his impact was felt almost immediately. Midget did a strong job developing key members of the secondary, most notably helping accelerate the growth of rising star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. His influence also showed up in the improved play of James Pierre and others in the defensive backfield, as the unit became more confident, disciplined, and competitive over the course of the season.

It has been a productive stretch for Midget during his time with the Steelers, as his coaching helped sharpen technique, communication, and consistency across the secondary. For a defense that prides itself on physicality and takeaways, Midget’s presence played an important role in maximizing talent and getting the most out of players who were fighting for snaps and long-term roles in Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, it appears that Midget’s time with the Steelers is coming to an end. College football insider Kolby Crawford of 247Sports shared breaking news on Wednesday, informing the college football world and Steelers fans that the assistant secondary coach is leaving Pittsburgh to join Virginia Tech’s coaching staff. While it’s a tough loss for the Steelers, it also speaks to the quality of work Midget put in during his brief but impactful stint with the organization.

For the Hokies, this move comes during a period of major change within their college football program. Former Penn State Head Coach James Franklin was fired during the 2025 college football season, a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the sport. Shortly after his dismissal, Franklin accepted the head coaching job at Virginia Tech, signaling a new direction and a fresh start for the Hokies as they look to rebuild and reestablish themselves as a national contender.

As part of assembling his new staff, Franklin moved quickly to bring in familiar and trusted voices, including Midget. Midget will join the Hokies as the team’s cornerbacks coach, a role that plays directly to his strengths as a developer of defensive backs. His recent success with the Steelers made him an attractive addition, and Franklin clearly views Midget as a key piece in reshaping the Hokies’ secondary.

For the Hokies, adding Midget represents a commitment to player development and defensive consistency, especially in the ACC, where strong cornerback play is essential. For the Steelers, it’s another example of how effective coaching can quickly lead to opportunities elsewhere, even if it leaves a noticeable void in Pittsburgh’s defensive coaching staff. 

Steelers' Defense Must Be Excellent In Week 18 As Playoff Hopes Hang In The Balance

Week 18 presents a high-stakes showdown for the Steelers as they face the Baltimore Ravens in a winner-take-all battle for the AFC North. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the victor secures the division title and a playoff berth, while the loser’s 2025 regular season comes to a heartbreaking end. For Pittsburgh, the defense must be lights out, especially the secondary, as the Ravens bring multiple offensive threats. 

Lamar Jackson is reportedly practicing and could play, bringing his dynamic rushing and passing ability back into the mix. On the ground, Derrick Henry comes off an all-world performance and will look to punish the Steelers’ front seven. To win, Pittsburgh’s defense must execute flawlessly, create turnovers, and control both the line of scrimmage and the passing game, leaving nothing to chance.

How do you feel about the loss of Anthony Midget? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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