Steelers Get Blunt Reality Check On Brian Angelichio’s Crucial Offensive Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered a new era of coaching with the hiring of Head Coach Mike McCarthy in January of 2026. Along with his hiring, he brought along an almost entirely new staff. After the Steelers' 2025 offense was fairly stagnant, the goal is to become a team that can score points at will. Former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme used a ton of heavy personnel sets and relied on motion and quick passes to move the offense -- but success from that wasn't consistent. The offense ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards and rushing yards, and scored an average of only 23.4 points per game. The Steelers are looking for some more high-scoring performances under the new regime. 

With Smith's replacement being first-time NFL offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio, the hope is that he'll bring some modern tactics to the team. He'll work primarily with offensive schematics and with the players directly, unlike Smith, who was the play-caller. McCarthy will call the plays on offense, like he has many times in his career. However, Angelichio's role will be an important one. The former offensive passing game coordinator/tight ends coach with the Minnesota Vikings will have his work cut out for him in trying to help the offense reach peak performance.

Steelers writer Bob Labriola was asked in his Asked and Answered series about what role Angelichio would play in the offense, and his answer was blunt, but direct. 

"Just because Coach Mike McCarthy has said he will be calling the offensive plays, doesn't mean getting the unit to consistently produce the number of points necessary to win games won't be a collaborative effort that includes all of the offensive coaches. Rest assured, offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio will have plenty to do," Labriola wrote. 

Though Angelichio's effect won't be seen directly on game days, his influence could be significant for the development of the offense. 

The Steelers have a deep tight end room, and that's one area where he'll come into play. Many were disappointed in the lack of usage of Pat Freiermuth in 2025, and with Angelichio's track record with tight ends, that bodes well for him. Angelichio has helped develop stars like Gary Barnidge and Jimmy Graham throughout his career, and the hope is that the tight ends become more involved in Pittsburgh. 

Additionally, the mantra that the Steelers have been repeating all offseason is the desire for versatility. The team isn't afraid to line its receivers up in a variety of spots, and that will help cause confusion for opposing defenses. Angelichio will involve some complicated pre-snap movements and route concepts to keep defenses on their heels. This can help create favorable mismatches for Pittsburgh, as they look to reinvigorate the passing game. 

Expectations are high for the offense, and with the level of talent on the roster, there is no shortage of players who can take a step forward under McCarthy and Angelichio's offense. Scoring more than 23 points per game is an achievable goal, and a new scheme should be a big step in the right direction. 

Steelers Need To Be A Force On Offense

The Pittsburgh defense wasn't as stout as in years past in 2025. The team relied on turnovers to help both sides of the ball, however under this new offense, the ball should be in their hands more often. The defense won't be as tired if the offense is in rhythm. With the sheer amount of quality players and competent coaching, the team should be set up well. They'll need to score points if the defense replicates its 2025 campaign. 

The passing game will hopefully come full circle under a coaching staff that values a West Coast passing attack. 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be under center, and he proved that he still has some gas left in the tank. The familiar scheme will help him, and he has plenty of weapons. This is the time for the offense to finally become a force in the Steel City. 

#SteelerNation