"It's Been A Lot": Steelers' TJ Watt Was Direct When Asked About The Coaching Change

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a massive culture change after hiring veteran head coach Mike McCarthy in January of 2026. The transition from the defensive-minded 19-year head coach, Mike Tomlin, to an offensive-minded coach in McCarthy will be something that breaks the trend in the Steel City. Already, McCarthy has switched some things up, including practice times and how offseason activities play out. This includes a new coaching staff, a new scheme, and language within practice. This will be a huge shift, especially for veteran players who had become acclimated to Tomlin's way of doing things. 

With even small nuances like the removal of benches and some more one-on-one time from McCarthy, the changes are evident. This focus is to bring a team that features a mixture of veteran and young talent back to winning playoff games. McCarthy isn't a stranger to winning, as he's a Super Bowl champion. He's already been earning respect from top to bottom with the way he's been handling things, even being a first-year head coach for the Steelers. 

Veteran players being knocked out of rhythm is seemingly a good thing. Getting them out of their comfort zone and teaching "old dogs new tricks" could maximize their production. Star outside linebacker, TJ Watt, has already come forward to speak on the differences this offseason. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported Watt's comments in an article for the publication. 

"It's been a lot," Watt said. "Not going to lie to you, it's been a lot of studying, a lot of learning, a lot on the iPad. Also trying to see the new faces, not only players, but coaches. There's been a lot of really good work. As you guys can see, practices are a little bit different around here. It's tougher as you get older to get the work in, but it's all been phenomenal."

The vote of confidence from a franchise cornerstone like Watt is a huge sign that things are moving in the right direction. It'll keep players like him on their toes, as he looks to have a bounce-back season in 2026. 

McCarthy's changes will hopefully bring a highly coveted playoff win to Pittsburgh, after nearly a decade without one. After a disappointing loss in 2025's Wild Card Round, the Steelers will hope to get back there and win one. The roster is full of talent, and with some fresh blood on the coaching staff, things could be different. McCarthy will be the play caller on offense, while entrusting Patrick Graham as the defensive coordinator and Brian Angelichio to prepare his offense as the offensive coordinator. Along with new coordinators, McCarthy brought along an almost entirely new staff. 

The focus is making sure that communication isn't an issue again, as it was last year, especially for the defense. With players confident in their staff, a turnaround could be imminent, even after the Steelers were the AFC North champions in 2025. 

Steelers Need Their Veterans To Be Leaders And Play Up To The Standard

With this new change, as mentioned before, the veterans will undergo culture shock, too. Players like Watt who are earning big money will have to set the standard for the young players. If the vets can adapt, so can the young players. For the team to be successful, it will have to maximize the production from its older players. 

Specifically, Watt, who has a $42 million cap hit in 2026, will have to be a role model and put his best foot forward during this change. He underwhelmed last year, and this revitalization could be what he needs to get back to form. After his lowest number of sacks since his rookie year, Watt has a golden opportunity to get back to his All-Pro status. The new defensive scheme should benefit him, and his words about the changes are a positive sign not only for him but for the team as a whole.

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