The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, with Mike McCarthy taking over and bringing an entirely new coaching staff to Pittsburgh. From offense to defense to special teams, the Steelers are facing a significant transition period, and according to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, there is expected to be a learning curve as the team adapts to new schemes, philosophies, and expectations.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Speaking on Steelers Collective, Fittipaldo highlighted the excitement surrounding new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who has received plenty of praise for his work despite limited resources during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. While Graham’s defensive approach has created optimism, Fittipaldo noted that implementing a new system takes time. The Steelers will need to give Graham time to install his scheme, develop his players, and acquire the right personnel to make the defense operate at its full potential.
As Steelers insider Mark Kaboly heard that, he had to jump in and state that he believes the organization’s approach could create long-term concerns. Kaboly suggested that Pittsburgh may be putting its future in jeopardy by prioritizing short-term success and trying to avoid a losing season immediately after Tomlin’s departure. With Team President Art Rooney II consistently expressing that the Steelers do not believe in rebuilding years and expect to compete every season, Kaboly believes the franchise could be making roster decisions designed to maintain stability rather than fully committing to a long-term rebuild.
"I think you just made an argument for why they should have maybe burned it down, right? I mean, if you are going through all of this turnover and you aren't sure of what you want yet, then why are you going through all of this right now to try to win now? Personally, I think it's because they don't want to have a losing season the first season back after Tomlin," Kaboly said. "That's what I think."
That approach, according to Kaboly, could explain some of the Steelers’ recent roster-building choices, which he views as potentially counterproductive for the team’s future. While Tomlin’s 19-year tenure ended without a losing season, the Steelers also struggled to find postseason success, with their last playoff victory coming after the 2016 season.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy looks out toward the media during his opening press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, which was held at Acrisure Stadium.
Now, as Pittsburgh moves into a new chapter, questions remain about whether the team is building for sustained success or simply trying to preserve a streak of competitiveness.
"There is nothing wrong with wanting to win," Kaboly said. "I mean, Art Rooney gets hammered for that. I am all for that, man. I covered the team in 2003, and that was a miserable season. That team stunk. Maybe it's selfish on my part, but I want to win... I don't know why he gets so much hate for that."
The Steelers’ desire to remain competitive every season has long been a defining part of the organization’s identity, and Rooney has made it clear that he does not believe in rebuilding years. While that mindset has helped Pittsburgh maintain consistency, critics believe the team’s unwillingness to fully reset could create problems as it transitions into a new era under McCarthy.
With a new coaching staff, new schemes, and questions surrounding the roster’s long-term direction, the Steelers are facing a pivotal moment. The challenge will be finding the balance between continuing to compete in the present while also making the necessary moves to build a true contender for the future.
Steelers Believe Winning Solves All
Ultimately, the Steelers’ approach will be judged by whether it leads to sustained success or simply extends a streak of being competitive without making a deep playoff run.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy works with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The one thing that could silence that noise would be a playoff run in 2026. If McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers, and the Steelers can quickly turn this new-look roster into a legitimate postseason contender, questions about their approach and roster-building philosophy will quickly fade.
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