New Steelers OC Brian Angelichio Heavily Endorsed QB Will Howard: "He's Been Impressive"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a brand new coaching staff ahead of the 2026 NFL season, after their now-former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down. The organization hired former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy to take the helm. Consequently, McCarthy hired almost an entirely new staff, including new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio. Angelichio served as a tight ends coach and passing game coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 and will bring a brand new, innovative offense to the table. 

Steelers fans have yet to hear from their starting quarterback from 2025, Aaron Rodgers, regarding a clear answer on his future. Pittsburgh still has a young arm in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and both fans and the coaching staff have been confident in Howard throughout his early tenure in the Steel City. With this confidence, Howard has yet to play any NFL snaps, but his intangibles have many excited to see him take the field.

Angelichio was interviewed during a press conference and offered a tremendous amount of praise towards the young signal-caller. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski reported on Angelichio's statement. 

"I've really enjoyed Will. He's got a great personality, and he's been impressive in the QB room with his ability to articulate..." Angelichio said. 

Howard has yet to play a preseason game in his career, as a finger injury prevented him from taking the field ahead of the 2025 season. He won a College Football Playoff Championship during his time at Ohio State University. Howard has been known for his ability to stay calm, cool, and collected in big moments. This trait is one that fans and pundits believe sets him apart from some of the existing young quarterback talent in the league. 

Howard had the chance to learn from a future Hall of Fame gunslinger in Rodgers, and now has a quarterback guru in McCarthy as head coach. He is set up for success in Pittsburgh, and his training camp and preseason will be a determining factor in his development, and will give coaches and brass a chance to see Howard in action. A chance for Howard to work with Angelichio, a product of the ever-growing Kevin O'Connell coaching tree, will be a huge step in the right direction for him. 

With McCarthy being known for his love of the passing game, combined with Angelichio's experience as a passing game coordinator, a young quarterback has the potential to learn a lot from this new system. Howard's frame will give him a big advantage as an AFC North quarterback, and he'll continue to grow now that he has an offseason under his belt and can acclimate to some of the intricacies of the NFL. 

Steelers' Will Howard's Training Camp Will Dictate A Lot For Him

The Steelers have been mocked to draft another young quarterback to add to the group. This could mean some competition for Howard in camp. This could be a positive for him, as he can really show what he can do, especially under pressure. The confidence in Howard can be confirmed through some solid reps in camp and eventually the preseason. This will be a big test for him. 

Since Angelichio has only been in the Steel City for a short period of time, it is very encouraging to see that he already likes what he sees from Howard. A drafted quarterback wouldn't spell the end for Howard, but would only ramp up the intensity for him. If he wants a shot at being the Steelers' next franchise quarterback, he'll need to ensure his production is strong. But as it seems, the Steelers feel good about what they have in the young signal-caller. This season will be a test not just for Howard, but for the organization in evaluating quarterbacks. 

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