Steelers Landing Mike McCarthy Is Bad News For Jalen Ramsey

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the decision to hire Mike McCarthy to be their next head coach. In what was the team's first head coaching search since 2007, and just their fourth since 1969, Omar Khan and Art Rooney II made the decision to bring in the former head man of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in hopes to return the team to contention for their seventh Lombardi Trophy. With the coaching search coming to an end, the focus now turns to the Steelers roster and what lies ahead for many big name players, including defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

The 31-year old matched his career high with 88 tackles. He also recorded eight passes defended, three sacks, and one interception during the year. While his time with the Steelers didn’t always look flashy on the stat sheet, Ramsey’s presence was felt in more subtle ways, especially when the defense needed leadership and versatility in the secondary.

The Steelers' defense made a turn for the better midway through the season, when Ramsey was forced to move from cornerback to safety amidst a plethora of injuries in the Pittsburgh secondary. 

Ramsey had his moments, both good and bad at that position, but it now becomes a major question moving forward as to where he fits best long-term. The safety move showed his willingness to do whatever the team needed, even if it meant playing out of his comfort zone, something coaches around the league tend to value.

Despite Ramsey's success at his new position, it is unclear if the Steelers or Ramsey want to continue in that same direction. Perhaps if the Steelers had gone a different route in their head coaching hire, Ramsey might've been open to staying in Pittsburgh and continuing to play safety. However, with the hiring of McCarthy, that all could change. 

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula was thought to be the favorite to become the next Steelers head coach. Shula coached Ramsey during Ramsey's four-year stint with the Rams, and the two have a connection. Now, however, with McCarthy expected to enter the building, what does that mean for Ramsey's future?

While making a guest appearance on The Pomp & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo said that if Shula would've been hired by the Steelers, it could've had an effect on what Ramsey decides to do with the remainder of his career.

"If Chris Shula comes in here, he has a previous relationship with Jalen Ramsey and it's a good one that they can work through any issues of ‘hey, you’re a safety now, this part of your career is in the review mirror,'" Fittipaldo said.

Fittipaldo’s comments suggested that a potential Shula hire might have included some candid, potentially tough conversations behind closed doors. With a long-standing relationship already in place, Shula could have been upfront with Ramsey about his role and future in the defense. 

"I think most coach-player relationships are very honest, if Chris Shula feels that way about Jalen Ramsey, I think Jalen Ramsey would have a decision," Fittipaldo said. "Do you want to be a safety with the Steelers, or do you want to go somewhere else and still try to be a corner? Those are the conversations that have to be had after the head coach is hired."

Now, with McCarthy at the helm, Ramsey’s future in Pittsburgh is more uncertain. Without that established connection, it’s unclear how McCarthy envisions Ramsey fitting into the system, leaving the defender's role, expectations, and long-term place on the team in limbo.

Steelers' Next Defensive Coordinator Hire Will Also Play Major Role In Ramsey's Future

Adding to that uncertainty is the fact that whoever the Steelers hire as defensive coordinator will play a critical role in Ramsey’s future. The next coordinator will ultimately design the defensive scheme and determine how each player is utilized, which could significantly affect Ramsey’s responsibilities and opportunities on the field. 

Even if McCarthy sees Ramsey as a key piece, the coordinator’s philosophy could change that picture entirely, influencing whether Ramsey thrives in the system or struggles to find a consistent role. This makes Ramsey’s situation doubly uncertain, as both the head coach and defensive coordinator will shape the trajectory of his future in Pittsburgh.

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