Report: Steelers' Mike McCarthy Won't Keep 1 Respected Defensive Coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly agreed to a verbal deal to hire Super Bowl–winning Head Coach Mike McCarthy, making him the franchise’s fourth head coaching hire since 1969. The decision has been met with mixed reaction from fans, though the broader consensus is that this was a relatively safe, conservative hire. 

Many hoped to see the Steelers take a younger, more progressive direction, but Owner Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan opted for experience over uncertainty by choosing McCarthy.

Attention has now shifted to how McCarthy’s coaching staff will take shape. Early indications suggest that several longtime Steelers assistants will not be retained under the new regime. According to sources of NFL insider Matt Zenitz, veteran defensive line coach Karl Dunbar will not return as part of McCarthy’s staff, signaling that meaningful changes are underway within the organization.

"Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar is among the Steelers coaches not being retained by new head coach Mike McCarthy, sources tell @CBSSports," Zenitz said. "Coached in Pittsburgh the last eight years, working with stars like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. Also coached several other Pro Bowl picks as the DL coach for teams such as the Vikings, Jets and Bills."

The decision for Mike Tomlin to step away has brought an end to several longtime coaches’ tenures, with Dunbar now the latest departure after eight years in Pittsburgh, where he worked closely with stars like Cam Heyward and TJ Watt.

There are a lot of unknowns surrounding the Steelers right now. For example, the coaching staff is far from finished taking shape. When Tomlin elected to step away, a report suggested that the new head coach would consider internal options; however, many felt that was unlikely. 

So far, no coaches have been retained under the new regime. It will be interesting to see if any are kept, but Dunbar would have been one of the top candidates.

Steelers Fans Will Have Mixed Opinions On Karl Dunbar's Impact

Dunbar was a highly respected voice within the Steelers’ locker room. He is widely credited with helping the development of several young players across the defensive line and beyond. Many Steelers fans will have mixed reactions to this news. However, some will view it as a positive sign that McCarthy is committed to taking the team in a new direction.

The run defense was not good enough at times, especially considering the star power along the defensive front. Some fans place part of the blame on Dunbar for those struggles, while others give him significant credit for the growth of young prospects and for his work with veterans like Heyward and Watt. One thing is clear: major changes are underway in Pittsburgh, and Dunbar will not be part of the next chapter.

Steelers fans will likely remain divided on Dunbar’s overall impact, but his tenure cannot be dismissed. He played a role in developing elite talent and helped maintain a standard of toughness along the defensive front while leaving a lasting mark on the locker room culture. At the same time, the unit’s inconsistencies opened the door to fair criticism and debate. 

Ultimately, Dunbar’s departure represents more than just a coaching change. It symbolizes a turning of the page for a franchise in transition. As the Steelers enter a new era under new leadership, his legacy will be remembered as complicated, impactful, and reflective of both the highs and the frustrations of recent seasons.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

#SteelerNation