coach Mike McCarthy during his introductory press conference on Jan. 27, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed what he’s looking for in an offensive coordinator during his interview on the WDVE Morning Show on Friday.
“To be honest with you, when you get into the seventh, eighth week of a regular season, coordinating is the hardest job on the coaching staff,” McCarthy said. “The responsibility of that individual is huge, as far as how you progress as an offense, so when I’m putting together a staff, you’re looking at a level of experience, you’re looking for the dynamics of youth and experience. And it really, for me, comes down to fit. I’m just trying to fit it all together.”
Throughout his career as a head coach, McCarthy has typically served as the primary play-caller. McCarthy confirmed during his introductory press conference that he will call the plays.
“I will call the plays on offense,” McCarthy said. “So obviously will run the offense.”
McCarthy has hired several coaches to his staff this week. He has also kept three coaches from Mike Tomlin’s staff in quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, linebackers coach Scott McCurley and secondary coach Gerald Alexander.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy during his introductory press conference on Jan. 27, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers have notified the New Orleans Saints that they plan to interview assistant Scott Tolzien for offensive coordinator, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Tolzien had a seven-year NFL career, initially signing with the San Diego Chargers and sitting in the same meeting room as Philip Rivers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Tolzien was stashed on the Bolts’ practice squad after the preseason, then claimed by the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he spent two seasons (2011-12) before joining the McCarthy’s Packers.
Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells interviewed for the Steelers OC position on Tuesday.
Wells was in Dallas with McCarthy and stayed there under Brian Schottenheimer. Wells also interviewed for the Washington Commanders and New York Jets OC job.
Prior to joining the Cowboys in 2020 , Wells held several positions with the New York Giants. He was the tight ends coach from 2018-2019, the assistant offensive line coach from 2013-2017 and an offensive quality control coach in 2012. Wells was the assistant special teams coach and assistant to the head coach at LSU from 2010-2011. Prior to that role, he was the offensive line assistant at LSU from 2008-2009.
Brian Angelichio is the top name on the board to keep an eye on for the Steelers offensive coordinator position, according to Ashley Liotus of WTAE. Angelichio is the current passing game coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
Sources tell Liotus that Angelichio is “elite” at tight end development and receiving. He was in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy from 2016-18.
Angelichio, 53, has been the Vikings passing game coordinator/tight ends coach since 2022. Prior to joining the Vikings, he was the Carolina Panthers tight ends coach from 2020-2021 and was the Washington Redskins tight ends coach in 2019.
Angelichio was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight ends coach (2012-2013 and Cleveland Browns tight ends coach (2014-2015) before joining McCarthy’s staff in Green Bay in 2016.
Angelichio was an offensive assistant and tight ends coach at Pitt in 2006 under Dave Wannstedt. He held the title of tight ends coach at Pitt from 2007-2010.
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