Steelers' Mike McCarthy Facing Massive Decision On Coach's Future After Troubling Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to evaluate as the 2026 NFL season continues, but one area of growing concern involves their special teams unit. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has experienced plenty of challenges during his first season leading Pittsburgh, and the performance of Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman is becoming an increasingly important discussion. While six games might not provide enough evidence to make a final judgment, the early results have raised legitimate questions. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo believes McCarthy could eventually face a difficult decision if the problems continue.

Crossman arrived in Pittsburgh with the responsibility of overseeing a unit capable of influencing games through field position, coverage, and dependable execution. Special teams rarely receive the same attention as an offense or defense, but mistakes in that phase can completely change the outcome of a close contest. The Steelers have experienced enough concerning moments to make the unit's overall direction worth examining. More importantly, the criticism has extended beyond one isolated issue.

Fittipaldo recently addressed Crossman's performance and whether McCarthy might eventually consider making a coaching change. The longtime Steelers reporter acknowledged that evaluating a coordinator after only six games could be premature. However, he also made it clear that the number of problems throughout the unit has become difficult to overlook.

"I don't necessarily want to judge him after six games, but there have been a lot of issues on almost every unit of his," Fittipaldo said. "Not saying McCarthy will make a change in-season, but if things don't improve it's something he'll probably look at hard once the season ends."

That assessment introduces an interesting possibility for Pittsburgh's coaching staff. Fittipaldo is not reporting that Crossman is on the verge of losing his job, nor is he suggesting McCarthy has already reached a decision. Instead, he is identifying a situation that could become increasingly difficult for the organization to ignore.

The most concerning part of his comments involves the variety of issues affecting Pittsburgh's special teams. When a unit struggles in one specific area, coaches can often identify a personnel adjustment or technical correction. However, problems across multiple responsibilities suggest the evaluation must extend beyond individual players.

That does not automatically mean Crossman deserves all the blame. Special teams performance depends on roster construction, player execution, injuries, and the amount of practice time devoted to specific assignments. A coordinator can prepare players effectively and still experience disappointing results when mistakes occur during games.

Nevertheless, coordinators are ultimately responsible for ensuring their units are organized and prepared. Pittsburgh cannot afford to repeatedly surrender valuable field position or miss opportunities to create advantages. Those situations become especially important for a team trying to establish consistency under a new head coach.

McCarthy also has to consider whether the problems are improving as the season progresses. Early mistakes can sometimes be attributed to players learning unfamiliar responsibilities or adjusting to a different coaching approach. Continued struggles, however, would make that explanation less convincing.

Steelers' Mike McCarthy Could Face A Tough Special Teams Decision

The possibility of a coaching change becomes particularly interesting because McCarthy is still establishing his preferred structure in Pittsburgh. His first season provides an opportunity to evaluate not only the players but also the assistants responsible for developing them. If certain areas consistently fail to meet expectations, the offseason could become a natural time to reconsider those responsibilities.

Crossman should have opportunities to demonstrate improvement before any final decision is made. Six games represent a relatively small portion of an NFL season, and special teams performance can change considerably as players gain experience. The Steelers still have time to correct mistakes and establish greater consistency.

However, McCarthy cannot allow patience to become an excuse for ignoring persistent problems. Successful coaching staffs recognize when adjustments are necessary, even when those decisions involve experienced assistants. Pittsburgh's head coach must determine whether the current approach is producing meaningful progress.

The Steelers' return game deserves particular attention moving forward. Crossman also has to do a better job of helping Kaden Wetjen in the eyes of many Steelers fans. Generating favorable field position can provide an offense with shorter scoring opportunities and reduce pressure on the defense. If Pittsburgh continues struggling in that department, questions about personnel decisions and coaching methods will naturally intensify.

Should the Pittsburgh Steelers consider replacing Danny Crossman if the special teams struggles continue? Share your thoughts with me on X @anthonyghalkias.

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