Report: Steelers Set For Potential Reunion With Former Player As DC Interview Looms

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking like a very different organization ever since longtime Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced he was stepping away from coaching. The team decided to hire 62-year-old Mike McCarthy, making him the fourth head coach in franchise history since 1969. McCarthy’s first task is building out the rest of the coaching staff.

The Steelers have the option to retain some of their former staff, though not everyone will return. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who spent eight seasons with the team, will not be coming back. Other positions remain in play, with one of the most important hires being defensive coordinator, especially considering McCarthy is an offensive-minded coach.

Steelers fans have been frustrated with the defense under former coordinator Teryl Austin. The hope is that McCarthy’s hire will improve that side of the ball. According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the team plans to meet with and interview Jason Simmons for the defensive coordinator position.

"The Steelers will interview Jason Simmons for their defensive coordinator position, according to source(s)," Kaboly said on Tuesday. "Simmons is the current defensive pass game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Simmons coached with Mike McCartney in Green Bay for eight years (2011-18). Simmons, 49, played four years for the Steelers (1998-2001) and Houston (2002-2007)."

The interview marks a potential reunion, as Simmons previously played for the Steelers and coached alongside McCarthy in Green Bay. As Kaboly pointed out, Simmons currently serves as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Being considered for the defensive coordinator position in Pittsburgh is clearly a significant step up the coaching ladder. 

However, his history with the Steelers from 1998 to 2001 as a player, combined with eight years of coaching experience with the Packers under McCarthy, makes this move especially noteworthy and potentially eye-opening for the organization. 

The Steelers are entering a new era, but it is clear that Mike McCarthy is not looking to tear everything down and start over. At 62 years old, he is focused on maximizing the talent already on the roster and seeing if he can finally help the franchise break the playoff drought that has lasted since 2016. McCarthy’s approach shows a mix of patience and urgency. He wants to improve the team quickly while also building a strong foundation through smart coaching hires.

Central to that plan will be his selection of both a defensive coordinator and an offensive coordinator. These hires will set the tone for the team and determine how effectively McCarthy can implement his philosophy. Fans and analysts are watching closely as the Steelers make these decisions. The right staff could transform a talented but inconsistent roster into a legitimate playoff contender.

As McCarthy begins the process of assembling his coaching staff, all eyes in Pittsburgh are on him. The pressure is high, but so is the potential. With strategic hires and careful management, this era could redefine the Steelers’ trajectory and give long-suffering fans a renewed sense of optimism.

Steelers Fans Are Starting To Buy In On Mike McCarthy

The mood shifted on Tuesday when McCarthy spoke with several members of the Pittsburgh media during his opening press conference with the organization. McCarthy was introduced as the head coach and his parents were in attendance. It was an emotional moment for the Pittsburgh native. 

Not all Steelers fans were ready to fully buy into the hire. However, after seeing his raw emotion and hearing what he had to say, aside from his obvious desire to bring Aaron Rodgers back as quarterback, Steelers fans have begun to soften their stance and are starting to feel a bit more optimistic. All eyes are on this new era in Pittsburgh.

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