The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an uncharacteristically terrible defense in 2025. Many fans have started calling for Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to be fired, even though the amount of control he truly has is constantly being questioned. Whether he is more of a yes-man or not, there's no doubt that the team could benefit from a stronger defensive mind, especially one that brings his own style to the team. Austin's contract does expire at season's end, so there is a realistic chance that he is shown the door at that time.
Chaz Palla / Tribune-Review
Steelers' Teryl Austin and Minkah Fitzpatrick at training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In his mailbag, Brian Batko was asked about this, and he responded with five different names from outside the organization that could take over as Defensive Coordinator starting in 2026, when Austin would be let go if these struggles continue.
"Jim Leonhard and Aubrey Pleasant are defensive passing game coordinators in addition to being assistant head coaches for the Broncos and Rams, respectively," Batko said. "Former Steelers Larry Foote (Buccaneers) and Deshea Townsend (Lions) also have those elevated titles with good teams. And you could see someone such as Jonathan Gannon get fired as a head coach, but still have the chops to be a good coordinator, a la Arthur Smith."
The first name that he brings up is Jim Leonhard, who is the defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos. He has also been a defensive backs coach at multiple levels, so that experience could lead to the Steelers giving him a shot and seeing what the young coach can do at a high level.
The intriguing thing here is the fact that Leonhard has also coached the Wisconsin Badgers' defense in some capacity from 2016-2022, and the Steelers have a few of them on their team. Guys like TJ Watt, Nick Herbig, and Keeanu Benton already know about him. If he does get hired, then at least two of those three would likely vouch for him during the process.
Tom Lynn / uwbadgers.com
University of Wisconsin linebacker, Nick Herbig (#19) celebrates a huge play against Penn State with his teammate.
Another option is Aubrey Pleasant, who has the same role that Leonhard has -- just with the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, Sean McVay's coaching tree is still currently one of the largest in the NFL, so picking someone off of his staff is usually a good idea. Pleasant has been with the Rams for three seasons now, with two being in his current role.
Steelers Might Try To Bring Two Former Players Back Home
The Steelers have always loved rewarding old greats of the team, and that's why Larry Foote could be a candidate for defensive coordinator. He is currently the run game coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh always wants to focus on shutting down the run game, so getting someone like Foote in the building could help with that.
Foote has made three Super Bowls with the Steelers and won two as a player. He went right into coaching after his retirement in 2014, as his role has continued to grow with each passing year. He did call the defense in Tampa Bay's 2025 preseason game against the Steelers, so maybe he is already preparing for that role full time.
Keith Srakocic / AP photo
Former Steelers linebacker Larry Foote tries to tackle former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor.
Another former Steelers Super Bowl champion that could return is Deshea Townsend, who has also won two championships in Pittsburgh. He has bounced around the sport more than Foote has, but he has suddenly become a hot name while acting as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Detroit Lions.
After Austin got flamed for his big-name secondary getting burned in Week 7, the Lions received lots of praise for how his secondary shut down the Buccaneers' potent offense, despite the fact that nearly every starter was injured or suspended. That next man up mentality is something that the Steelers believe in, and it could result in Townsend getting a call in 2026.
The last option that Batko mentioned is Jonathan Gannon, who is currently the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. With the Cardinals' recent struggles, his seat seems to be hot, and he could also be fired soon. Sometimes, coaches are more comfortable as coordinators than being the main man. It worked for Arthur Smith, so maybe it can work for Gannon.
What do you think about all of these potential defensive coordinator options? Who would you want the Steelers to hire? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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