Updated Jan. 30, 2026, 4:44 p.m. ET
The newest head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers — Mike McCarthy — has made multiple additions to his coaching staff, but plenty of offensive coordinator candidates remain worthy of keeping an eye on over the next couple of weeks.
As the McCarthy-led Steelers prepare interviews with candidates for their new coaching staff, here’s an offensive coordinator scouting report on New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien.
Coaching backgroundOffensive Assistant Coach — Dallas Cowboys, 2020Offensive Assistant Coach — Dallas Cowboys, 2021Offensive Assistant Coach — Dallas Cowboys, 2022Quarterbacks Coach — Dallas Cowboys, 2023Quarterbacks Coach — Dallas Cowboys, 2024Quarterbacks Coach — New Orleans Saints, 2025What fans should know
Tolzien is a former NFL quarterback for the then–San Diego Chargers (2011), San Francisco 49ers (2011–2012), Green Bay Packers (2013–2015), and Indianapolis Colts (2016–2017) — giving him an edge as a coach in multiple different systems and quarterback rooms he was a part of. He also played a big role in the development of Saints’ 2025 first-round quarterback Tyler Shough, who began to show real promise toward the end of the season.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Potential fit with McCarthy
McCarthy originally hired Tolzien as an offensive coaching assistant. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2023 before parting ways with Dallas following McCarthy’s decision to step away. Clearly familiar with McCarthy’s brand of offense, Tolzien would make a solid offensive coordinator under his former head coach.
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