Steelers Add Promising Former Mike McCarthy Staffer In Under-The-Radar Coaching Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look like a completely different organization, at least when it comes to the coaching staff. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has brought in several of his former colleagues to help kick off this new chapter in Pittsburgh, and while many of those hires have made headlines and generated plenty of excitement, there appears to be an under-the-radar addition that may have flown below the radar of Steeler Nation.

When looking at Steelers.com, specifically the front office section of the site, a new name has surfaced. It appears McCarthy has made the decision to reunite with Darian Thompson, who will be assuming the role of Special Teams Quality Control coach on McCarthy’s 2026 staff.

During the 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons, Thompson was hired by McCarthy during his time coaching the Dallas Cowboys, serving as an assistant linebackers and defensive quality control coach. When Brian Schottenheimer took over in Dallas, Thompson earned a promotion to secondary/nickels coach, but he was not retained beyond the 2025 season. McCarthy quickly moved to bring him back into the fold. 

Thompson previously played safety under McCarthy during the 2020 and 2021 NFL seasons, giving the two an established working relationship and familiarity that clearly carried over into the coaching ranks. A quote from August of 2020 has surfaced that shows just how much McCarthy values Thompson via Cowboys insider Michael Gehlken. 

"I’ll say this," McCarthy said when speaking about Thompson. "He definitely has lived up to his reputation. His work ethic, his workload capacity is outstanding. ...He’s having a great camp. Thompson has emerged as a favorite to start in favor of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix."

This quote actually came during the time that McCarthy was coaching Thompson. In Pittsburgh, he will now serve directly under special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, handling daily operations, breakdown duties, and assisting with the overall structure and preparation of the special teams unit. It’s a behind-the-scenes role, but one that can quietly impact consistency and execution in a phase of the game that often gets overlooked.

For a Steelers team trying to retool its staff and establish a new identity under McCarthy, these smaller, less flashy additions could end up being just as important as the headline hires. Thompson’s return adds another familiar voice and another layer of trust within the building as Pittsburgh looks to sharpen its special teams unit moving forward.

Steelers Replace Previously Fired Assistant Special Teams Coach

It appears Thompson is set to replace fired Steelers assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II, who was let go after allegedly violating workplace misconduct rules. Swinton’s stint in Pittsburgh was brief, lasting only a short time before the reported violation of club policy led to his departure.

Now, Thompson gets a chance to step into the role and reunite with his former coach and mentor, bringing familiarity and continuity back into the staff as the Steelers continue reshaping their special teams unit under McCarthy.

Obviously, one of the biggest responsibilities Thompson will take on behind the scenes is helping with the development of fourth-round rookie Kaden Wetjen. The rookie comes to Pittsburgh with one clear purpose. To change games with his return ability on special teams. With the added coaching support on this unit, there’s a real belief that this could become a strength for Pittsburgh moving forward.

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