Randy Fichtner- The relationship between Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley was clearly tainted from the beginning. The power struggle was evident and was only proven more by the fact that Roethlisberger announced he wanted to return for several more seasons after the departure of Haley. The replacement for him will be QBs coach Randy Fichtner, and this was well received by all of Steeler Nation. The relationship between a QB and his coach is guaranteed to be much more comfortable and smooth, as both are very comfortable with each other from the many hours from practices and meetings that they spend together. Also, Roethlisberger is a fan of calling his own plays, and it is easy to believe that Fichtner will most likely trust Roethlisberger when he is wanting to call something from the mutual understanding that they will have.
Darryl Drake - Former WR coach Richard Mann retired following the 2017 season, ending a career that began all the way back in 1982, and Steelers career beginning in 2013. There were many rumors as to who would replace him, including Steelers great Hines Ward being thrown around. However, it was Darryl Drake who replaced him. Many fans were actually disappointed with this choice seeing that it was not Ward, but they do not realize that Drake is actually one of the best WR coaches in the entire NFL, having helped Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald bolster his legacy. It will be very interesting to see what Drake will be able to do with established players like Antonio Brown and newcomers like JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Karl Dunbar - Dunbar is no stranger to the Steelers organization and it's staff. Long time defensive line coach John Mitchell has had the position for 24 years, along with being assistant head coach since 2007. Now, Mitchell will only focus on his assistant head coaching duties while Dunbar takes over the defensive line. Dunbar was drafted by the Steelers in 1990, but did not make the team. He also played at LSU while John Mitchell was the linebackers coach there. His personal relationship with the team should make the transition back to the NFL from College that much more smooth, and hopefully give the Steelers high-potential defensive line the best chance at becoming elite in the following seasons.
Tom Bradley - After former Steelers safety turner coach Carnell Lake stepped down citing a desire to spend more time with family, the Steelers hired Tom Bradley. Bradley was a coach for Penn State for several years, before being the defensive coordinator for UCLA from 2015-2017. The secondary of the Steelers boasts a mixture of veteran leadership and young talent, so it is a shame that this is one of the weakest aspects of the team. A new, fresh start for the crew should be vastly beneficial to making the Steelers the powerhouse on both sides of the ball that they should be.
The new additions to the coaching staff have all been impressive. This is some of the most movement we have seen in this area in a long time, and Steeler Nation as a whole will be hoping that these changes can finally get the organization over the hump and get them their seventh ring.
