The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially underway in Latrobe for training camp, and with the 2026 NFL season quickly approaching, the Mike McCarthy era continues to generate plenty of excitement. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the new head coach has been the changes he plans to bring to a franchise built on tradition.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jaylen Warren runs across the field during Phase One of offseason workouts in 2026.
One of those changes was the decision to move away from a nearly two-decade-long training camp tradition established by former head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin was one of the final NFL coaches who still incorporated live tackling during camp, believing that getting physical early would prepare his team for the challenges ahead. His mindset was simple. If the Steelers started hitting before everyone else, they would be better prepared when the season arrived.
However, in today’s NFL, where player health, recovery, and longevity have become bigger priorities, McCarthy believes a different approach could help the Steelers over the course of a long season. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and McCarthy is hoping that a new training camp philosophy can help bring a new level of success to the organization.
However, while one famous tradition may be changing, another Steelers staple appears to be staying. While speaking with Steelers media last week, Jaylen Warren accidentally revealed that the legendary 'Backs on Backers' drill would remain part of training camp. McCarthy officially confirmed the news Monday while speaking with Steelers insider Mike DeFabo, giving Steelers fans a reason to get excited about one of the most intense competitions of camp.
"That was one of my first questions at camp, because, you know, I love that drill," Warren said. "I was told there is [backs on backers]. I’m prepared for it."
Warren himself, along with many others inside the Steelers organization, understands just how important this drill can be. In fact, 'Backs on Backers' played a major role in Warren’s own journey from an undrafted rookie fighting for a roster spot to becoming one of Pittsburgh’s most trusted offensive weapons. It was a moment where players could separate themselves, prove their toughness, and show coaches they belonged.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy walks around as he attends the 2026 Annual League Meetings during his first offseason as the leader in Pittsburgh.
With McCarthy officially confirming the drill will remain, it raises an interesting question heading into camp. Could another player currently sitting near the bottom of the depth chart use this opportunity the same way Warren did? Every year, training camp battles create unexpected winners, and a drill like this gives young players a chance to make a lasting impression.
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The first impression of this new era under McCarthy has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Of course, that excitement is expected when change arrives after nearly two decades of the same leadership. Steeler Nation is currently in the honeymoon phase, eager to see what a fresh voice and a different approach can bring to the organization.
McCarthy has already moved away from several of Tomlin’s longtime methods, but keeping the 'Backs on Backers' drill provides a small piece of continuity for players who understand its importance. For Warren and others fighting to earn their place, this tradition represents more than just a practice drill. It is an opportunity to prove toughness, separate themselves from the competition, and show they belong.
As training camp continues in Latrobe, all eyes will be on how McCarthy’s changes impact the Steelers throughout the 2026 season. While the new era is still in its early stages, keeping a tradition that helped shape players like Warren could be a sign that McCarthy understands which parts of Steelers culture are worth preserving.
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