Steelers’ Defense Brings In An Overqualified And Outstanding New Assistant Secondary Coach Anthony Midget

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Wednesday morning that they would be making further enhancements to their coaching staff. It was revealed that they would be bringing in Anthony Midget, the former defensive backs coach for the Tennessee Titans. Midget, who had been fired by the Titans in January of 2023, now looks to reignite his coaching career momentum with the Steelers.

The Steelers' secondary had been identified as an area in need of improvement this offseason. In a surprising move, Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson, their talented, yet troubled wide receiver. In return they acquired Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers. Jackson, a skilled cornerback, is expected to make a significant impact on the Steelers' secondary in the upcoming 2024 season. Excitement mounts within Steeler Nation as fans eagerly anticipate the dynamic pairing of Joey Porter Jr. and Jackson on the field.

With the addition of Jackson, the Steelers also welcomed Midget as an additional assistant secondary coach. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly lauded this hiring decision as a massive upgrade for the Steelers coaching staff, marking a rare instance of widespread media praise within the Steelers community.

Midget's NFL playing career was brief. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, he showcased his determination and skills during two seasons on the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite limited playing time on the field. Though his time in the league was short, Midget's passion for the game and relentless work ethic left a lasting impression on those in the professional football world.

Transitioning from playing to coaching, Midget embarked on a journey that took him from the high school fields of Florida, to the collegiate and professional ranks. For four years, he honed his coaching skills in the high school circuit before making the leap to college football. In 2007, Midget served as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level. 

His dedication and talent were recognized, leading to his entry into the NFL coaching realm in 2014 as an assistant secondary coach for the Houston Texans. Over the next few years, he distinguished himself in this role, culminating in a promotion to secondary coach in 2018. A testament to his growth and expertise in coaching defensive backs at the highest level of competition.

Midget's coaching tenure in the NFL has been marked by considerable success, notably during his time with the Titans. Under his guidance, the Titans' secondary boasted an impressive third-down percentage defense, ranking third in the league. Opposing teams struggled to convert, managing to succeed on just 34.2 percent of their attempts against the Titans.

Further highlighting their defensive prowess, the Titans' defensive unit exhibited a talent for disrupting passing plays. They tied for 10th in the NFL with 16 interceptions in 2021 and secured the fourth spot in passes defensed with an impressive tally of 83. 

This consistent defensive excellence wasn't a mere flash in the pan. Even in Midget's debut season with the Titans back in 2020, the defense showcased its proficiency by ranking seventh in the NFL with 15 interceptions. These seasons offer a deeper insight into the defensive achievements under Midget's coaching, showcasing his ability to foster a high-performing secondary unit.

Steelers' Defense Gets Vastly Better In 2024

The Steelers showcased a formidable defense throughout the 2023 season, yet faced challenges in certain areas. Notably the linebacker room due to injuries. Prior to these setbacks, players like Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander were delivering stellar performances alongside the consistently outstanding TJ Watt.

In a bold move, the Steelers opted to bolster their linebacker corps by signing Baltimore Ravens star Patrick Queen to a lucrative three-year, $41 million deal. With the likes of Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Minkah Fitzpatrick also anchoring the defense, the Steelers are poised to instill fear in opposing offenses throughout the season. Their defense now stands among the highest-paid units in the entire NFL.

With enhancements across the board, including both player acquisitions and coaching staff improvements, expectations in Pittsburgh are soaring. Steelers fans eagerly anticipate the draft, hopeful to see which defensive backs the team will select and how they will be coached by the new assistant defensive backs coach, Midget.

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