The Pittsburgh Steelers are off and running in this new era under 62-year-old head coach Mike McCarthy. There was a lot of fuss made by Steelers fans when this hire was announced, with many hoping the team would go in a younger direction. However, the Pittsburgh brass felt McCarthy provided them with the best chance for success post-Mike Tomlin. Unlike some franchises, the Steelers rarely embrace “rebuild years,” though many fans argue they should consider them more often. McCarthy has already begun putting his imprint on the team, starting with key staffing decisions that signal a new approach.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy addresses the media in his introductory press conference.
McCarthy is employing a larger and more specialized coaching staff compared to what Tomlin maintained during his tenure. Steelers fans have long complained about the small size of Pittsburgh’s coaching staff, questioning why the team didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to add more resources. McCarthy’s hires reflect a clear commitment to building a more expansive and detailed support system for players. By focusing on specialized positions, he is positioning the team to operate at a higher level across both sides of the ball.
In addition to naming his offensive and defensive coordinators, McCarthy has added five other assistant coaches to the staff: C.J. Ah You as outside linebackers coach, Abe Munayer on the strength and conditioning staff, Eric Simonelli as offensive quality control coach, Derius Swinton as special teams assistant, and Pat Reilly as defensive quality control coach.
49ers Team Website
Steelers' Derius Swinton II during his time working for the 49ers.
These moves highlight McCarthy’s vision of a more robust and comprehensive coaching structure, one designed to maximize player development and team performance. Steelers fans are now watching closely to see how this new approach will translate on the field.
Ah You is an eye-opening hire, and not just because of his cool name. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft and played linebacker in the league from 2007 to 2011. In 2025, he began coaching in college and now gets his first shot at the NFL level in Pittsburgh as the outside linebackers coach.
Munayer is a former head coach of athletic performance and Olympic sports at San Jose State University. He joins McCarthy’s staff with a clear goal of implementing his specific style of athletic training with the Steelers’ roster, aiming to elevate both performance and durability.
McCarthy also hired former TCU assistant linebackers coach, Simonelli, as the team’s offensive quality control coach. Simonelli previously worked with McCarthy in Dallas as a quality control coach and assistant to the head coach, making him another valuable addition to the staff.
The #Steelers are expected to hire TCU assistant linebackers coach Eric Simonelli, a source tells @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 5, 2026
Before TCU, he worked under Mike McCarthy with the Cowboys as a quality control coach/head coach assistant. Now expected to join McCarthy’s staff in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/gtkR6K9Vev
Swinton II has been coaching in the NFL since 2009, on special teams. In the 2025 season, he was promoted to interim special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, and now brings that experience to Pittsburgh as a special teams assistant.
Reilly joins McCarthy’s staff as defensive quality control coach. He spent the 2025 season as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans and has extensive NFL coaching experience, including working with linebackers and serving as a defensive quality control coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Steelers' Staff Is Starting To Inspire Confidence Under Mike McCarthy
While there is still much to learn about the staff and these new hires, it’s clear McCarthy is leaving no stone unturned in his effort to make the roster as prepared and physically ready as possible to compete at a high level.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers head coach, Mike McCarthy signs his contract at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The Steelers’ staff under McCarthy is beginning to inspire confidence with their leadership, strategy, and disciplined approach to the roster. Their focus on player development, preparation, and execution highlights a clear vision for improvement and innovation. With expertise, motivation, collaboration, and performance at the forefront, the team is building a foundation for long-term success in the eyes of many Steelers pundits.
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