Mike McCarthy has prioritized special teams during his early roster building with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The moves include new coaching hires and targeted player acquisitions before he has coached a single game.
McCarthy hired two dedicated special teams coaches this offseason, the first such pair on the Pittsburgh staff since 2012. Danny Crossman and Derius Swinton II joined the team to handle the unit, with Crossman overseeing punting and Swinton serving as his assistant.
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Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has voiced appreciation for new head coach Mike McCarthy's fresh ideas shortly after his hiring. Khan highlighted McCarthy's embrace of the team's process while sharing successful strategies from past roles. The move comes as the Steelers aim to address longstanding offensive issues.
Pittsburgh Steelers' new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman emphasized the team's inherent toughness as a key asset for success. He stated that this quality, a hallmark of the franchise, eliminates one major challenge in his role. Crossman replaces Danny Smith, who left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost significant special teams experience following free agency departures and coaching changes. Over 1,000 special teams snaps from the 2025 season have left with players like James Pierre, Connor Heyward, Miles Killebrew, Corliss Waitman, and Calvin Austin III. First-year coordinator Danny Crossman must rebuild the unit.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed he has been holding weekly conversations with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the 42-year-old weighs his future with the team. McCarthy described the talks as positive during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The Steelers continue to await a final decision from Rodgers.
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Patrick Graham, the Pittsburgh Steelers' new defensive coordinator, stated during a press conference that he will call the plays for the defense. He emphasized building the unit around the existing players and earning a place in the team's storied tradition. Graham replaces Teryl Austin amid major staff changes following Mike Tomlin's resignation.
Anonymous NFL executives expressed puzzlement over the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft selections, particularly first-round pick Max Iheanachor and later versatile players. The picks aim to bolster the offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy amid concerns at quarterback and left tackle. One standout addition, wide receiver Germie Bernard, drew widespread praise.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers added 10 rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft and six undrafted free agents, including players at tight end and inside linebacker. Despite these moves, the team could seek veteran upgrades at those positions before training camp. Roster spots remain fluid as the Steelers aim to bolster depth.