Steelers Should Have Raiders Fans Worried As Pittsburgh Could Steal Another Excellent Assistant From Las Vegas

The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise has prided itself on defense since the 1970s. They have won all six of their Super Bowls on the backs of their stellar defense. For the last 57 years, the Steelers have had a defensive-minded head coach. The 2026 season marks a new age for the organization, however. Mike McCarthy, an offensive-minded head coach, is now at the helm. While the Steelers will no longer likely prioritize defense, they won't neglect it either. That was evident when the team hired Patrick Graham, a respected defensive coordinator around the NFL. The Steelers are currently still assembling their new staff under McCarthy, but there is one young up-and-coming coach Graham could steal from his former team. 

Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach/run game coordinator and fellow Yinzer, Rob Leonard, has worked under Graham in the past, coaching with him for the Miami Dolphins. In his first season with the Raiders in 2023, the defensive line recorded 46 sacks, led by superstar Maxx Crosby. Leonard has also coached for the Baltimore Ravens as the team's outside linebackers coach. He saw Justin Houston, in the twilight of his career, record 9.5 sacks. After Super Bowl LX, the Raiders are expected to name Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. It is currently unclear what will happen to the Raiders' coaching staff when Kubiak arrives, but if Leonard were to leave, the Steelers should definitely be interested. 

The Steelers have already brought in a defensive line coach in Domata Peko for the 2026 season under McCarthy, so that role is already filled. Leonard has also coached linebackers in the past, but both the inside and outside linebacker spots are filled as well. However, the Steelers still lack a run game coordinator, a role Leonard fills for the Raiders. Leonard could be a tremendous help to the Steelers' struggling run defense. 

The Steelers ranked 13th in run defense in 2025, which sounds ok, but the team crumbled in big games throughout the entire season when it mattered most.

Steelers Hiring Leonard Would Be A Homecoming

One of the many reasons the Steelers hired McCarthy is that he is a fellow Yinzer. His new staff has all been mostly coaches he knows, which is typical when building a group around you. Though Leonard has never coached under McCarthy, he coached under Graham, whom McCarthy trusted enough to make the team's defensive coordinator. McCarthy certainly wasn't a flashy hire by the franchise; he's 62 years old. This homecoming wouldn't be the flashiest either, but it could help the team tremendously in the long run.

Leonard has a good track record of play at outside linebacker and defensive tackle. Damon Harrison, a former All-Pro, led the NFL in tackles for a defensive lineman. The Steelers' defensive line is young and still finding its way. Leonard could finally unlock the potential of Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, and Yahya Black, but it doesn't just stop with the defensive line. Leonard has a good track record of linebackers as well. 

In 2019, Leonard was the Dolphins' linebackers coach, with Graham being the defensive coordinator. Leonard helped linebacker Jerome Baker finish fourth in the AFC in tackles. Leonard has had plenty of success in the NFL over the years, but what role would he play on the Steelers? He could be the team's run game coordinator as previously mentioned, but that move seems a little sideways. 

What do you think? Should the Steelers try to bring in Leonard? Do you think Leonard would be open to a homecoming? Let us know in the comments below. 

#SteelerNation