The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ disappointing wild-card loss to the Houston Texans exposed problems on both sides of the ball. As a result, general manager Omar Khan appears determined to leave no stone unturned to build a sustainable roster for the coming seasons. With changes already underway, recent reports suggest that two more new names could soon be joining the team.

“Texas Tech’s C.J. Ah You has accepted the outside linebackers coach job with the #Steelers, sources tell @CBSSports,” insider Matt Zenitz reported on X. “The former NFL defensive end has coached standouts such as David Bailey and Romello Height at Texas Tech.”

Before You, the role was held by Denzel Martin, who had been with the team since 2016 and was promoted to lead outside linebackers coach starting in 2023.

He stayed in that job through the 2025 season after serving first as an assistant outside linebackers coach from 2020 to 2022 and earlier as a coaching assistant and scouting assistant. Pittsburgh’s outside linebacker group, including T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, improved their pass-rushing skills under Martin.

However, the fresh reports of changes in the coaching team don’t just end with the linebacker positions. The team is also eyeing a replacement for their special team’s assistant coach, and leaks suggest that they might have already found one.

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“The Steelers are expected to hire Derius Swinton II as a senior special teams assistant coach, a source tells @NFLonCBS,” Jonathan Jones wrote on X. “Swinton heads to Pittsburgh after 3 seasons in Las Vegas with 3 different coaches.”

The changes come after a complete overhaul of several crucial roles within the coaching team, as Mike McCarthy works to reshape the Pittsburgh Steelers’ staff ahead of the new season. One of the biggest moves was the hiring of Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator. Angelichio previously worked with McCarthy during their time with the Green Bay Packers, and therefore, the move is expected to help the offense adjust quickly. The defensive unit lead also saw a notable change as Patrick Graham was brought in to take over as defensive coordinator.

The Steelers also confirmed several other additions. Danny Crossman will lead special teams, Joe Whitt Jr. joins as assistant head coach and secondary coach, Domata Peko takes charge of the defensive line, and Pat Reilly was added as a defensive quality control coach. Many of these coaches have worked with McCarthy in the past, ensuring a sense of familiarity and trust within the team. While all of this is happening after the Steelers were forced to find a replacement for Mike Tomlin, a narrative suggests that it was a pre-planned decision.

Insider sheds light on why Mike Tomlin’s resignation did not come as a surprise

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin dedicated almost two long decades of his professional journey to the Steelers. While his split with the franchise was, all in all, an individual decision, it came as a big shock for many. However, not every member of the football community is convinced by the fact that the call was unexpectedly taken. According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Tomlin conveyed a similar roadmap during a conversation two years ago, making it clear that he would call it quits anytime soon.

“I think he’s done,” Glazer said on the Nightcap podcast during Super Bowl LX week. “He told me and Ronde Barber two years ago. He was like, ‘Hey, this is my plan. You can’t say this. Don’t show my hand. I’m telling you, you’re my guy.’”

“Last year, I thought he was going to hang it up. He decided one more. I thought he was gonna be done. So until it happens, it happens. But this year, kind of Week 8, I’m like, ‘Hey man, anybody that’s gonna change your mind?’ ‘Nope.’”

What makes the conversation exciting is the fact that Glazer dropped a hint about the Steelers being open to welcoming Tomlin back anytime in the future.

“Now, let’s see what happens in a year or two or three,” he added.

However, if he never returns, his departure would closely resemble those of Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. He would exit Pittsburgh as a Super Bowl-winning head coach who never led another franchise. His legacy is highlighted by 19 straight seasons without a losing record. He would finish his career with a 193-114-2 record, an 8-12 playoff mark, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Lombardi Trophy in all, decorating his journey as one of the best coaches the franchise ever saw.