Steelers Assemble Experienced Coaching Staff Under Mike McCarthy
The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized their 2026 coaching staff, bringing together a blend of seasoned professionals and rising talents. Head coach Mike McCarthy has clearly prioritized experience, assembling what’s been described as one of the largest staffs in Steelers history. The additions signal a commitment to comprehensive player development and strategic innovation.
Offensive Reinforcements: A Focus on Proven Success
A key hire is tight ends coach Rob Kugler, who arrives from the Fresh England Patriots. Kugler’s recent tenure with the Patriots is particularly noteworthy. the team ranked first in the AFC in overall and passing offense, and third in rushing offense during his time there. They were also consistently high-ranking in key offensive metrics like passing net yards and total yards per play. Kugler brings a track record of success to Pittsburgh, having previously coached with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.
Frank Cignetti Jr. Joins as senior offensive assistant, bringing a wealth of experience from both the professional and collegiate levels. Cignetti has served as an offensive coordinator at eight different institutions and in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. Notably, he has worked with quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning, and will now collaborate with Steelers’ quarterback Rodgers.
Defensive and Special Teams Expertise
On the defensive side, C.J. Ah You takes the reins as outside linebackers coach, coming from Texas Tech. During his four seasons with the Red Raiders, the team made three bowl appearances, and consistently ranked highly in tackles for loss. Ah You also played a crucial role in the development of Tyree Wilson, who became a first-team All-American and was drafted seventh overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Special teams will see a boost with the addition of Derius Swinton II as senior special teams assistant. Swinton brings experience as an interim special teams coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders and has a proven ability to improve special teams performance, as demonstrated by his work with kickers and punters in previous roles.
Strength and Conditioning: Building a Foundation for Performance
The Steelers have also bolstered their strength and conditioning staff, bringing in Mark Lovat as head strength and conditioning coach. Lovat has a long history with Coach McCarthy, having spent 25 years with the Green Bay Packers, and was named NFL Strength Coach of the Year in 2011. He’ll be supported by Grant Thorne and assistant coaches Justus Galac and Abe Munayer.
A Staff Rooted in Diverse Experience
The remaining additions – Tim Berbenich (game management/quarterbacks), Eric Simonelli (offensive quality control), and Shawn Howe (defensive assistant) – each bring unique backgrounds and expertise to the team. Berbenich’s experience with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, Simonelli’s time with the Cowboys and TCU, and Howe’s extensive coaching career at the collegiate level demonstrate the breadth of knowledge McCarthy has assembled.
Pro Tip
FAQ
What is Rob Kugler’s background? Kugler most recently served as an assistant offensive line coach for the New England Patriots, where the team had a highly ranked offense.
Who is the Steelers’ new outside linebackers coach? C.J. Ah You is the new outside linebackers coach, coming from Texas Tech.
What is Mark Lovat’s experience? Lovat has 25 years of experience with the Green Bay Packers in strength and conditioning, and was named NFL Strength Coach of the Year in 2011.
How does Frank Cignetti Jr. Know Mike McCarthy? Cignetti was the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers in 2018 under Coach McCarthy.
What is Derius Swinton II’s experience? Swinton was the interim special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
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