Consistency in Coaching is just as important as the players’ consistency. The Pittsburgh Steelers made big changes to their offensive staff this year. Can consistency be created in the offseason to make a difference in 2026?
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator: After the resignation of 19-year tenured Mike Tomlin, the Steelers hoped to find a Head Coach and OC that could inherit a team and take them to the next level. They also had to cater to their QB, who is believed to have had significant influence in the hire. Let’s dig into Mike McCarthy’s offense. In the past, McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers worked well together with McCarthy’s West Coast-style offense that emphasizes short-to-intermediate passing. That’s good because Aaron Rodgers averaged a paltry 6.7 yards per attempt. He did have 10.2 yards per completion, which ranked 8th in the league. That sounds like Aaron Rodgers was already doing a West Coast offense.
Quarterback: Over the last two seasons, since his Achilles tear, his metrics across the board have declined. He is visibly less mobile. He is still capable of running an offense, but during the last two seasons, his consistency has ranked 21st and 32nd at the QB position. He will likely operate Mike McCarthy’s offense adequately, but will not have Rodgers on any of my rosters.
Wide Receivers: The Steelers’ wide receiver room reflects what Mike McCarthy wants to do. Michael Pittman is now a Steeler, and his skill set fits what McCarthy likes to do with short passes and run after the catch. Although DK Metcalf is the Steelers’ #1 receiver on paper, I think that Pittman will be their number one in passes caught. Don’t sleep on DK though. He could be a later round (6,7,8) bargain. Despite what was considered a down season for DK, he still ranked 18th in consistency. The Steelers have also added depth to the receiver room with 2nd round pick Alabama’s Germie Bernard and fourth rounder Kaden Wetjen. They also picked up six-foot-four free agent Joaquin Davis.
Running Backs: Free agent Rico Dowdle has a history with Mike McCarthy, and McCarthy grabbed him as soon as he was a free agent in the off-season. As far as his consistency, Dowdle has been used inconsistently throughout his career. His consistency has ranked 25th and 22nd among RBs in the last two years. He has also shown the ability to catch passes everywhere he has played. It looks like he could take away Jaylen Warren’s job, but … I think they’ll both be used with the coaching staff playing the hot hand. The two backs had very similar stat lines last season, with Jaylen Warren a little more consistent than Dowdle. I’m steering clear of this two-headed monster unless one gets an injury.
Tight Ends: The Steelers wide receiver room received minimal attention over the off-season as Aaron Rodgers has developed a rapport with steady Eddie Pat Freiermuth. He’s never been a high-volume receiver in the Steelers offense and has never had a high consistency rating. The Steelers also still have mammoth TE Darnell Washington. At 6’7″ and 264, he could get a few looks in the red zone this year as the Steelers got him to slim down, losing 50 pounds since the end of 2025. Chances are that neither tight end will get enough volume to be a top 12 tight end.
With Mike McCarthy calling the plays, it looks like a West Coast offense, and Michael Pittman might be the biggest beneficiary. The rest of the offensive players are likely to be good but not as consistent because the offense will be spreading the wealth. Overall, good for the team, not as good for fantasy.
