Steelers' Coaching Hire Comes With A Massive Risk Of Hurting Positional Group: "Need Stability"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering an offseason filled with a substantial increase in questions about the team and their future, the likes of which hasn't been seen in many years. Ever since the Steelers hired Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the team has undergone significant amounts of change across the board to accommodate McCarthy's incoming staff. The moves they've already made are a clear indication that the franchise is looking to take a different approach, and a new approach to roster construction and playbooks, among other things, could very well be the key for the team to finally raise the ceiling of the franchise before the 2026 NFL season begins.

However, a complete organizational overhaul can definitely have downsides that can affect the players currently on the team. Earlier on Tuesday morning, team insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked a question about how the organization's new approach could compromise the development of key players, particularly players along the offensive line. 

Fittipaldo's answer proves that while the organization is making significant changes, they still want to retain a semblance of stability to ensure players develop properly, particularly, stability in terms of keeping members of McCarthy's staff around for many years to come.

"I would hope there is as little of that as possible," Fittipaldo said. "I do remember the guys telling me [Pat] Meyer had them doing new techniques when he came onboard. Those guys are experienced enough now to adapt, but the Steelers should be hoping [James] Campen stays for a while. Those guys need stability."

Fittipaldo is referring to new Steelers offensive line coach James Campen, who has a lot of previous experience in the NFL dating 21 years, and was recently brought in as part of McCarthy's new coaching staff. For a lot of the newer players on the roster, a complete organizational overhaul of this magnitude can negatively impact their development as the new coaches bring new techniques and methods with them. Fittipaldo's remark shows that even while a team can make significant changes, it's important for the team to also retain key personnel that fit the system and perform well, so as to ensure newer players are allowed to develop properly under stable coaching.

As it pertains to stability at the most important position on a coaching staff, that being the head coach, the Steelers know they won't get the same kind of stability that they had under the previous head coaches in their recent history. Their goal of stability, however, would be accomplished if McCarthy can maintain his role for five to six years. On top of this, it's important that McCarthy's incoming staff be given every opportunity to retain their roles as long as possible, should they prove that they deserve to continue serving in the coaching staff. 

Change is an important thing for any NFL franchise, especially one like the Steelers, which hasn't seen change this significant since 2007. However, with this level of change comes the need to ensure certain coaches are kept around for as long as possible to ensure the development of future superstars on the team itself. McCarthy was hired by the Steelers to ensure that they could continue to compete for the playoffs on a yearly basis, and how well he builds and maintains his staff will be a key factor in whether or not his own stability as head coach should be questioned.

Steelers Have Excellent Opportunity To Ensure Organizational Stability

As McCarthy continues to complete his remaining staff hires, the transition to free agency will begin. If the Steelers can prove to players that they'll be a stable organization in the areas that help develop players, they can potentially attract star players to Pittsburgh that want to help contribute to the culture. This only helps the case for McCarthy's own stability, should this occur and the team begin winning more because of it. Only time will tell, but as Fittipaldo said, the players on the team can use all the stability on the coaching staff they can get.

What did you think about Fittipaldo's comment regarding the hope for stability in the organization? Let us know in the comments below.

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