The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, prompting discussions on which assistant coaches he should retain. The franchise has advised all current assistants to seek new jobs, yet some may be kept on depending on McCarthy's preferences and respect from players. Notably, RB coach Eddie Faulkner and TE coach Alfredo Roberts have garnered support from players, while decisions about continuing with OLB coach Denzel Martin and OL coach Pat Meyer are contentious. The Steelers are entering another offseason after a first-round playoff exit, marking a pattern of seven straight postseason losses.

By the Numbers
  • Seven consecutive postseason losses for the Steelers since 2017.
  • Mike McCarthy's first significant hiring decision as new head coach involves multiple assistents potentially maintaining their roles.
Yes, But

While some assistant coaches have solid player backing, the overall lack of recent playoff success raises questions about their effectiveness. The current roster's performance doesn't reflect significant development under coaches like WR coach Zach Azzanni, which complicates retention decisions.

State of Play
  • McCarthy has begun evaluating the existing coaching staff while facing the challenge of improving a team with a history of early postseason exits.
  • With the playoffs ongoing, the Steelers must transition into offseason mode, assessing player development and coaching effectiveness.
What's Next

McCarthy's initial moves will likely involve reshaping the coaching staff to align with his philosophy and bring in associates he trusts. The retention rate of current assistants will set the tone for the team's direction going into the offseason and will affect player retention and growth.

Bottom Line

The Steelers must critically assess their coaching staff to break free from the pattern of playoff failures. Retaining effective coaches who have gained player respect is crucial, yet sweeping changes may also be necessary to foster new growth and success.