The Pittsburgh Steelers are operating under a new regime now that former head coach Mike Tomlin has decided to step away from coaching. This move led the organization to hire 62-year-old Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. McCarthy brings extensive NFL experience, having led the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons and the Dallas Cowboys for five. Known as a respected, offensive-minded head coach, McCarthy has a reputation for disciplined, strategic leadership. However, many Steelers fans had hoped the team would pursue a younger coach as part of a broader organizational retooling.
Matthew Emmons / Imagn Images
Steelers' Mike McCarthy and former head coach Mike Tomlin embrace after clashing in the Super Bowl.
Now, McCarthy is focused on assembling his coaching staff, and he places as much importance on his offensive line coaches as he does on the offensive coordinator role. The composition of this staff is widely viewed as a key indicator of the team’s future direction. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, knowing that McCarthy’s choices will influence the Steelers’ offensive identity for years to come.
According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, McCarthy is considering two top candidates for the offensive line coaching position, signaling the level of thought he is putting into this critical role. The names mentioned include former Packers offensive line coach James Campen and former Cowboys assistant line coach Ramon Chinyoung. Both bring valuable experience and expertise, aligning with McCarthy’s offensive philosophy and reinforcing the importance he places on building a strong, cohesive staff from the line out.
"Other top candidates McCarthy is looking to add to his staff are former Packers offensive line coach James Campen and former Cowboys assistant line coach Ramon Chinyoung," Dulac said. "Campen, 61, was with McCarthy for each of his 13 seasons in Green Bay — beginning as an assistant offensive line coach and eventually becoming the Packers offensive line coach/run game coordinator. Chinyoung has been with the Cowboys since McCarthy hired him in 2023."
It’s not yet known if McCarthy has a preference for which coach would fill which role. However, the fact that Campen spent 13 seasons with McCarthy in Green Bay and actually coached the offensive line under him may give Campen an edge. Chinyoung was hired by McCarthy in 2023 and has been with the team ever since, but he has served as an assistant offensive line coach under McCarthy.
AP Photo
Former Green Bay Packers offensive line coach, James Campen speaks with his center during a game.
McCarthy may hope to bring both coaches together in Pittsburgh, or he could try to land just one of them. Either way, it shouldn’t be too difficult given the prior working relationships among the three coaches.
Steelers' Young Offensive Line Is Exciting
The Steelers enter this new era with a young offensive line, which makes the position group particularly exciting for any coach to work with. For someone like Campen, if he is hired by McCarthy, it would be an opportunity to bring his wealth of experience to a developing, up-and-coming unit. Campen’s track record in Green Bay shows his ability to mold young linemen into a cohesive, disciplined front, and pairing that with McCarthy’s offensive vision could be a major boost for Pittsburgh.
McCarthy’s emphasis on the offensive line staff being as important as the offensive coordinator role speaks volumes about his priorities. Every coach knows that winning in the trenches is crucial, but providing the right resources and guidance for that part of the roster isn’t always easy. McCarthy has built a career around understanding that truth and ensuring his teams are structurally sound up front.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy speaking during his opening press conference on January 27th, 2026.
This approach suggests the Steelers’ young offensive line could develop quickly under McCarthy’s regime, especially with the right coaching hires. Whether he brings in Campen, Chinyoung, or both, McCarthy’s focus on staffing the line correctly sends a clear message: in Pittsburgh, the foundation of success starts in the trenches, and he intends to build it right.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
#SteelerNation