The Pittsburgh Steelers have a revamped offense heading into the 2026 season, and the offensive system is also going to be completely new due to the hiring of Mike McCarthy as the team's new head coach. He is the first offensive-minded head coach the franchise has brought in since at least 1969, and he has also already announced that he will be calling the plays throughout the games. This is going to be a sight to behold for Pittsburgh fans as Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher did not do this during their time as head coaches in Pittsburgh, but hopefully it helps the offense move in the right direction.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy works with newly-drafted quarterback Drew Allar during organized team activities.
Another reason to expect the offense to perform better than it did during the 2025 season is because the organization addressed the weaknesses that plagued the group. There is reason to be optimistic about the offensive line heading into 2026, and the wide receiver group has also been improved dramatically.
DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. lead the way, while rookie Germie Bernard was an exciting selection in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Roman Wilson will also be looking to contribute as he enters his third season with the team.
Wilson has had a weird start to his career, there is no denying that. However, the coaching change offers him some sort of fresh start. He should be looking to take advantage of that, and he is based on what McCarthy told the media on Thursday when he was asked about the young wide receiver.
"He’s been here from Day 1," McCarthy said. "He was one of the first men to reach out and just clearly ask what the expectation was of him, how I viewed him, how I saw him fitting in, as far as X, F and Z. He’s doing the work. He’s had a great offseason, so I just need him to keep showing up and keep working his tail off, because he’s got a skill set. There’s a lot there to work with."
McCarthy seemed to be impressed with Wilson's assertiveness as he asked the coach what is expected of him after being hired. This is a good sign as Wilson was proactive in figuring out what he needs to do in order to make an impact on the field. He is expected to be competing with Bernard for the third spot on the depth chart at wide receiver.
Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press
Steelers' Roman Wilson catches a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the 2025 NFL season.
Wilson showed some flashes during the 2025 season, but he was worked out of the game plans later in the year. He was a consistent healthy scratch down the stretch, including in the pivotal Week 18 finale against the Baltimore Ravens and in the postseason loss.
There was plenty of speculation as to why Wilson was being taken off of the field and seemingly not even being given a chance. The most popular theories were that he was in Tomlin's dog house, or that he struggled to get on the same page as Aaron Rodgers, which is why other veteran wide receivers were brought in later in the year. He now has a fresh start with a new coaching staff, but it will be interesting to see if there are any issues between him and Rodgers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' wide receiver Roman Wilson catches a pass during a regular season game against the Packers in the 2025 season.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Flashed In 2025
There were weeks in 2025 where it looked like Wilson was Pittsburgh's best wide receiver. That might seem like an exaggeration, but he was the only player in that room that could consistently get separation.
Against the Green Bay Packers, he was the leading wide receiver for the team, and it is a bit bizarre the way he was completely cut out of the game plan later on. Following Wilson versus Bernard will be interesting during training camp, as will seeing if the young wide receiver's relationship with Rodgers has developed.
What do you think about these comments from McCarthy? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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