Steelers Safety DeShon Elliott Reveals Exclusive Change Under Mike McCarthy That Has 2026 Feeling Different

The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base had begun to feel like the 19 seasons under Mike Tomlin were starting to run its course. Many Steelers fans and the football world debated whether Pittsburgh needed a new voice, but few expected it would actually happen. After the 2025 season ended with a 24-point home playoff loss, Tomlin shocked the NFL world and stepped away from coaching. Now, Mike McCarthy is trying to get Pittsburgh back into Super Bowl contention, something the franchise struggled to do over the last decade under Tomlin.

With a fresh voice in McCarthy, there is growing excitement that this team could look much different in 2026. It has been nearly two decades of a similar identity for this fan base, so any kind of change naturally brings a sense of energy and intrigue. That feeling appears to extend inside the locker room as well, with players embracing the new direction and the opportunity to reset expectations heading into a new era of Steelers football.

At first, the news of Tomlin stepping down was tough for many players to process. However, veteran safety DeShon Elliott recently spoke with Cam Heyward on his podcast, Not Just Football, on Wednesday and revealed one key difference he has already noticed under the new coaching staff.

"I did appreciate that all the vets did show up for the first week of OTAs [Organized Team Activities]. I did appreciate that, bro," Elliott said while speaking with Heyward on his podcast Wednesday. "I think we did a really good job of that this year. I think we definitely set the tone for a great season that we are going to have."

That quote from Elliott might not seem massive on the surface, but it actually says a lot about where this team is at early in the Steelers’ transition. Veteran attendance at OTAs has not always been a guarantee across the league, especially for established players. The fact that Pittsburgh had its vets show up and buy in right away points to a locker room that is taking this reset seriously under McCarthy.

It also highlights a subtle shift in accountability and tone. Under Tomlin, the Steelers had a defined culture that leaned heavily on leadership and consistency, but at times it felt like the group plateaued. Now, with a new staff in place, there is a sense that everyone is being challenged again, from the top veterans down to the youngest players on the roster. Showing up in the spring might be a small thing, but it often reflects a bigger commitment behind the scenes.

Steelers May Finally Be Ready To Take That Next Step

If that early tone carries over, it could be one of the most important developments for Pittsburgh heading into 2026. Talent has not necessarily been the issue for the Steelers in recent years, but urgency and execution in key moments have. If McCarthy can translate this early buy-in into real production once the season starts, then the Steelers may finally look like a team ready to take that next step rather than one stuck hovering around the same ceiling.

The only thing still holding this team back is the quarterback position. Many believe Aaron Rodgers will be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2026. If that happens, it solves the problem for one more year, but Khan and McCarthy still need to find a long-term answer at the position. 

Once that issue is solved, this Steelers team can truly start thinking about Super Bowls. Until then, Steelers fans will wait to see if Rodgers does, in fact, play for them in 2026 or if he decides to retire.

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