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.
Danny Crossman, the Pittsburgh Steelers' newly hired special teams coordinator, highlighted the team's toughness during recent comments provided in a team transcript. 'The good thing about this team, one thing you’re not going to have to bring is the element of toughness,' Crossman said. 'The element of toughness has been the Pittsburgh Steelers since I was a kid.' He views toughness as essential for special teams players, who often succeed through mentality rather than size or speed alone. Examples include wide receiver Ben Skowronek and former linebacker Tyler Matakevich, known for their grit in coverage and returns. Crossman brings familiarity with Pittsburgh, having played as a starting safety for Pitt after transferring there in college. He helped the Panthers win the 1989 Sun Bowl and was coached by a young Mike McCarthy. His NFL coaching career began as an assistant with the Carolina Panthers. Crossman expressed strong enthusiasm for the opportunity. 'It was one of those things, it went from yeah, I’m interested, to I have to get this. This is too good of an opportunity to not have this,' he said. His goals include sustaining kicker Chris Boswell's strong performance, maintaining the coverage units, and boosting punting and returns. Ultimately, Crossman aims to foster 'toughness, discipline, smart football' to help the Steelers win games, reach the playoffs, and claim a seventh Lombardi Trophy.
