The Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching staff already looks a lot different going into the 2026 offseason. They only retained three coaches from the previous staff under Mike Tomlin. New Steelers head coach, Mike McCarthy, is bringing in some big names, including Patrick Graham, a respected defensive coordinator throughout the NFL. He also brought in his former offensive line coach with the Green Bay Packers, James Campen. All of these coaches have some form of connection to McCarthy, either playing for him or coaching under him. Jahri Evans, who is the Steelers' latest hire and played under McCarthy for a season, is set to be the Steelers' assistant offensive line coach. However, there is one former McCarthy player who could make all the difference.
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New Orleans Saints Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien on the field as the team practices during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Current New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach and former NFL quarterback, Scott Tolzien is set to interview for the Steelers' offensive coordinator spot. Tolzien played under McCarthy for two seasons in Green Bay, and also coached under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as a coaching assistant for two seasons before becoming the team's quarterbacks coach in 2023. While Tolzien doesn't have much coaching experience on his resume, this would be a huge step up in his career.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly spoke on 93.7 The Fan recently about the Steelers' coaching staff moves. When asked about whether Tolzien would be the next offensive coordinator, Kaboly sounded very confident.
"Yeah, I do, I really do. He played for McCarthy for a couple of years, I think 2013-15, really smart. I hear about Tolzien. Really hard worker," Kaboly said. "I think that is definitely the guy they're going to hire when they make it all finalized."
Tolzien has never called plays before, but that's okay. McCarthy has already made it clear that he will be the play-caller. Tolzien would bring much-needed youth to the coaching staff, something they've not typically had in Pittsburgh in recent years. Tolzien coached under a former McCarthy offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. The pair got some pretty good play out of second-round rookie Tyler Shough in 2025. Tolzien would bring fresh and new ideas to the already solid McCarthy scheme.
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New Orleans Saints Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien coaching Tyler Shough during training camp 2025.
The Steelers could be a great spot for Tolzien to get a feel for what it's like to be an offensive coordinator. He will also get the opportunity to develop another young quarterback, either Will Howard, or an upcoming rookie.
Steelers' Next Quarterback Is In Good Hands
The Steelers hired McCarthy to solve the team's quarterback problem. Everyone knows McCarthy's track record of quarterbacks he's developed, but now with this new coaching staff, quarterback isn't the only position that will improve. The Steelers hired two new offensive line coaches as mentioned. Campen had very successful offensive lines with the Packers and even got some good play out of the Carolina Panthers unit. While Evans doesn't have much experience coaching, he's a Hall of Fame finalist.
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Former Saints guard Jahri Evans during his time playing in the NFL.
The Steelers' offensive line was solid in 2025, but could still use improvement. Under Campen, they may finally take the leap to elite status. It doesn't stop there either. After the last two seasons, the Steelers will make wide receiver a top priority as well, and rightfully so. They will likely draft two receivers and sign at least one via free agency. With a new scheme, likely improved offensive line, and a nice group of receivers, the Steelers' offense will look a lot different in 2026.
Though McCarthy's staff is still growing, and they haven't coached in a game in the black and gold just yet, his hires already look more inspiring than what Steelers fans have experienced in seasons past.
What do you think? Will Tolzien be the Steelers' next offensive coordinator? Should they look elsewhere for that job? Will the Steelers finally have a good offense in 2026? Let us know in the comments.
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