Mike McCarthy Just Broke Steelers Tradition With 2 Moves Mike Tomlin Never Dared

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were shocked to find out that Mike Tomlin would no longer be at the helm leading the team. For 19 seasons, Tomlin had been the face of Steelers coaching, guiding the franchise through highs and lows. After the 2025 season, following another disappointing playoff exit with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Tomlin decided to step away from coaching. His departure marked the end of an era in Pittsburgh, leaving fans anxious about what the future would hold.

Now Mike McCarthy is coaching the Steelers, and he has wasted no time hitting the ground running. Determined to reshape the organization, McCarthy has already built out a massive coaching staff, bringing in 25 total coaches, including four on the strength and conditioning team. His approach signals a new era of bold decisions and thorough preparation that contrasts sharply with the leaner, more traditional staff Tomlin maintained for nearly two decades.

Steelers insider Brian Batko recently broke down the two biggest coaching decisions McCarthy has made so far, hirings that Tomlin never dared to make despite years of Steeler Nation pleading for upgrades. Many had long felt that the Steelers coaching staff was thin compared to the rest of the league, and fans often wondered why additional expertise was not added. 

"Then there are two entirely new positions for McCarthy that Tomlin did not employ: Tim Berbenich is categorized as game management in addition to quarterbacks, and Steve Scarnecchia is the Chief of Staff," Batko said. "Berbenich, 46, was a pass-game specialist with game-management duties the past two seasons in Atlanta under Raheem Morris, but was a coaching analyst for Sean McVay in Los Angeles in 2023... The Falcons credited Berbenich with coaching situational football, communicating aspects of fourth-down decisions with the play-callers and generally managing the game (hence the title)."

Tim Berbenich and Steve Scarnecchia are two new additions to the Pittsburgh staff under McCarthy. Their presence signals to Steelers fans that McCarthy shares their mindset, showing that if you can add to the staff, why would you not? 

His aggressive, all-in approach has already energized the organization and given fans hope that this could be the start of something different in Pittsburgh. Batko believes both of these new hires will be major voices in McCarthy’s ear during games.

"Tomlin did not want to disclose whose responsibility it was, either on the field with him or in the coaches’ booth, to help him with replay views and the challenge flag," Batko said. "Berbenich, and perhaps Scarnecchia, figure to be in McCarthy’s ear on game days."

For years, Steelers fans were left scratching their heads. Why would Tomlin not want additional help if it was offered to him under the rules of the NFL? Many assumed it was Team President Art Rooney II being stingy or cheap, but that clearly is not the case. 

Steelers Already Look And Feel Much Different Under Mike McCarthy

With McCarthy now in charge, Rooney is allowing the new coach to build out a full, aggressive staff exactly as he sees fit. Fans are watching closely, eager and hopeful, as McCarthy continues to make moves that Tomlin never dared. The energy around the organization feels different already. 

Every hiring, every adjustment, sends a message that this team is finally willing to do whatever it takes to compete at the highest level. Steeler Nation now waits, watching and hoping that McCarthy can finally end the playoff drought that has lingered since the Steelers’ last postseason win in 2016. 

For the first time in years, there is real reason to believe in the eyes of Steelers fans. Of course there are many Pittsburgh fans not thrilled with the McCarthy hire.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation