Steelers' Mike McCarthy Reportedly Eyeing Sensational Candidate At Offensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers made noise when the organization announced it would be hiring Mike McCarthy as the new head coach of the team after Mike Tomlin decided to step down following the 2025 season. The initial reaction was not good from many within the fan base, and that has persisted, while other fans have come around and acquired an optimistic outlook on the hiring. The important things to consider are that McCarthy is an offensive-minded head coach, which should help that side of the ball improve, and he also has a great track record when it comes to hiring assistant coaches.

The most important hire on the new staff is going to be at defensive coordinator, and Pittsburgh has reportedly zeroed in on Patrick Graham to fill that role. Offensive coordinator is not going to be as important as years past due to the fact that McCarthy already made it clear during his introductory press conference that he would be calling the plays during games. Despite the fact that the new offensive coordinator won't have as big of a role, it still is an important gig, and former NFL tight end and current radio host Dorin Dickerson believes Pittsburgh has a top candidate.

"Keep any eye on Brian Angelichio potentially being the Steelers' next offensive coordinator," Dickerson wrote. "Yes, he was my tight end coach at Pitt."

Dickerson isn't typically in the business of breaking news, but he is probably somewhat close to the situation if Brian Angelichio is seriously being considered for the job. He was his coach when Dickerson was a tight end at Pittsburgh as mentioned, and if he knows this information, then the two must have stayed in touch over the years.

Angelichio is currently the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach for the Minnesota Vikings, and he has held that role since the 2022 season. He has been a tight ends coach in the NFL since 2012 and has plenty of coaching experience at this level. He has helped a Minnesota offense succeed in throwing the ball over the last four years, and has been one of Kevin O'Connell's best contributors on that staff.

O'Connell would be receiving a promotion if he got the job in Pittsburgh, but it would also be more of the same as he wouldn't be calling the plays during the games. He would probably be doing a lot of the same things he did in Minnesota as the passing game coordinator, which is not a bad thing. Nearly every team in the league has a passing game coordinator, while Pittsburgh has not adapted to that. 

Angelichio would be another "homer" hire as he coached at Pittsburgh for five seasons and he also has worked with McCarthy before when the two were with the Green Bay Packers. He seems more than qualified to get the job. Other candidates will also be considered, but Angelichio would be a great addition to the staff.

Steelers' Mike McCarthy Knows Where His Strengths Are

So far, two names have been mentioned for Pittsburgh at offensive coordinator, Angelichio and Lunda Wells. Both have extensive experience coaching tight ends, which is certainly one of the strengths of the Pittsburgh offense. Pat Freiermuth is a legitimate threat that has been underused for essentially his entire career, while Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward have both shown they can contribute in multiple ways. Heyward is a pending free agent and Jonnu Smith is probably going to be released, but the room is still strong. 

McCarthy knows he needs these tight ends to be involved and be productive, and that is clear from his search for an offensive coordinator.

What do you think the Steelers will do at offensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation