Tag: Steelers coaching changes 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers hire quality control coach

Being connected is never a bad thing. Just ask Matt Tomsho, who the Steelers announced was hired to be their quality control coach.

Being connected is never a bad thing. Just ask Matt Tomsho, who the Steelers announced on Monday was hired to be their quality control coach.

This is Tomsho’s first NFL gig, but he worked under offensive coordinator Matt Canada at Pitt, Louisiana State University and Maryland.

Tomsho was an offensive assistant on Canada’s staff in 2016, the season the Panthers enjoyed a record-setting offense. With the No. 10 scoring offense in the nation, Pitt averaged 42 points and 448 yards per game.

Tomsho joins the Steelers from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he served as the wide receivers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator.

Quality control coaches prep teams for a game well in advance of the actual matchup by breaking down film and analyzing plays. Because they know their opponents’ tendencies, the QCC will often run the scout team at practice — practice squad members will give starters an accurate representation of what to expect from their upcoming opponent.

The only vacant position that remains is defensive backs coach.

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Steelers senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin interviews for Tennessee Titans DC position

The Steelers senior defensive assistant/secondary coach is interviewing for Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator role.

Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Teryl Austin is interviewing for the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator position on Thursday.

Sharon, Pa.-born Austin joined the Steelers in 2019 after stints as defensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals.

With reports that Pittsburgh will offer a new contract to defensive coordinator Keith Butler, I wouldn’t blame Austin if he left for a better opportunity.

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Steelers staff changes continue with TE coach James Daniel

After 17 seasons with the black & gold, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end coach James Daniel, 67, has called it a career. 

After 17 seasons with the black & gold, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end coach James Daniel, 67, has called it a career.

Then head coach Bill Cowher hired Daniel in 2004 as tight ends coach after Ken Whisenhunt was promoted to offensive coordinator. Daniel was instrumental in the development of tight end Heath Miller, who was the 30th overall pick in 2005.

Head coach Mike Tomlin, who is busy making a lot of moves and statements today, had this to say about Daniel via Steelers.com:

“I wish James all the best in his retirement following a long, productive coaching career in the National Football League,” said Tomlin in a statement. “I worked with JD for the past 14 years and he coached a bunch of great tight ends, not only here in Pittsburgh but also in Atlanta and New York. His experience provided our tight ends group and our coaching staff with invaluable lessons throughout his career. He has been a tremendous part of our staff from my first day and I wish nothing but continued success in his retirement.”

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Pittsburgh Steelers oust coaches Shaun Sarrett and Tom Bradley

The Steelers choose not to renew the contracts of Shaun Sarrett and Tom Bradley.

In Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s season finale press conference on Wednesday, he intimated personnel changes were on the horizon. “We are just beginning the process of having those types of meaty discussions that usually produce changes or non-changes,” Tomlin said in his typical cryptic manner.

Those “meaty discussions” happened swiftly, as Pittsburgh chose not to renew contracts of offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley.

Sarrett, who joined the Steelers as an offensive assistant in 2012, was promoted to assistant line coach in 2018 before being named offensive line coach in 2019.

Bradley has been Pittsburgh’s defensive backs coach since 2018.

Tomlin said in a statement via Steelers.com:

“I want to thank all three of the coaches for their commitment and dedication to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have all played integral roles in our success and I am appreciative of their efforts. Personally, Randy and I have been in Pittsburgh since I hired him in 2007, but our relationship began well before that. He has been a friend of mine for years and I wish his family nothing but the best, and I am eternally grateful for our relationship both on and off the field.”

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