"Change Isn't Bad": Steelers Special Teamer Not Sad About Danny Smith's Departure

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a complete do-over in their coaching department with the hiring of new Head Coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers have undergone a complete overhaul, with new coordinators, position coaches, and an expanded coaching staff. The Steelers are looking to reset the regime that has held them in mediocrity for years.

Now, they will look to be more relevant when it comes to their coaching staff hires, as they have added quality control coaching positions that haven't existed in the team's history. Among the new coaching hires is a veteran special teams coordinator who has received praise from one of the team's best special teamers. 

The newly-hired special teams coordinator is Danny Crossman. Crossman coached at the same position with the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2024 and for the Buffalo Bills from 2014 to 2018. He has coached for the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions as a special teams coordinator, too. This immense experience will hopefully fill the shoes of the Steelers' legendary coach, Danny Smith, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Smith coached under Mike Tomlin's staff for 13 years. Smith was able to unlock kicker Chris Boswell and special teamer Ben Skowronek, as the two were All-Pros under his wing. Crossman's experience should give fans and players something to be excited about, however. 

During an episode of his podcast, long snapper Christian Kuntz spoke on the hiring of his new coordinator.

"He's a solidified veteran coach, has been around for over 20 years. I'm excited, and change isn't always bad," Kuntz said. 

This will be a big change for the special teams, as the aforementioned Smith had been a well-recognized coach with the tremendous job he did with his group. The Steelers were consistently ranked among the top of the league in special teams categories under Smith. However, the talent remains on the roster between Boswell, Skowronek, and others. Change isn't always bad, as Kuntz put it, the Steelers are turning a new leaf, and this doesn't mean anything but positives for the unit.

Kuntz's knowledge could be a valuable insight into Crossman's reputation among the league's special teamers. Kuntz made the transition to long snapper after playing linebacker at Duquesne University. He has been a key piece in the team's success as a unit since he took over at the spot. 

Crossman brings a ton of experience, and experience means knowledge, which can be passed on to his players. Since there is so much talent on that unit already, Crossman should have no difficulty maintaining the elite play that the unit is known for. 

Steelers' New Coaching Hire Needs To Play Into The Team's Strengths

As mentioned before, the Steelers have multiple All-Pros on their special teams unit. Crossman needs to set the group up for continued success. The group seems to mesh well and has a very talented group of gunners like Skowronek, as well as James Pierre (if he is re-signed) and Conner Heyward. The team's coverage unit was stout and needs to continue that success throughout 2026 to remain competitive. 

The Steelers group is amazing in punt-blocking and in coverage. However, one area the team could improve on is the return game. Last season, the group was not great. They did not have a kick return touchdown nor a huge breakout return. Those returns can flip the field and help the offense score. However, that is one area the Steelers lacked. Crossman can hopefully provide some spark to the return game. 

He can play the coverage unit to their strengths: speed, sure-tackling, and hard hits. Finally, Boswell, allow the Steelers legend continue to do his thing: nailing field goal after field goal. Crossman has a highly-talented roster in front of him and should have no problem maintaining them as one of the league's best units. 

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