The Pittsburgh Steelers have been quickly assembling their new coaching staff, as Head Coach Mike McCarthy is hiring multiple new staffers each day. Interviews are going on frequently to find as many quality voices for the team as possible. He has even hired some coaches to new positions that the team has never had before, including a “Chief of Staff.” Fans have been begging for an increased staff with a more modern look to it, and it seems like they are getting their wish, even if they’re not too excited about the leader. 

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Mike McCarthy

John David Mercer / USA Today

Former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy stands with QB Aaron Rodgers.

According to a report from Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the Steelers a bringing in a former AFC North rival player to run their defensive line: Domata Peko. 

More coaching movement of note to AFC North fans: The Steelers plan to hire former Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko as defensive line coach, per source.

Peko had been defensive line coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders.

— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) February 2, 2026

Peko spent 11 seasons as a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as a season with the Baltimore Ravens as part of his 15-year playing career. He made himself known as a dominant run stopper that could plug up the A-gaps, and that is an area that the Steelers have been focusing on for a couple of years now. Hopefully, he can teach it as well as he did it in his heyday. 

Steelers' Mike McCarthy

youtube / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy speaking during his opening press conference on January 27th, 2026.

Peko spent a year with McCarthy on his coaching staff in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys before going down to the collegiate level and coaching defensive lines for the Colorado Buffaloes. Clearly, the veteran head coach was impressed with how he did in his first season as an assistant, so he is happy to bring him back and work with a unit that is trying to build back up into being feared like it was when he was still playing.

Steelers Have A Ton Of Youth That Peko Needs To Develop

The Steelers have selected four defensive linemen in the previous three drafts. On top of that, another one is expected to be drafted in 2026, as Cameron Heyward will likely be retiring soon. There may be a couple of veterans that the team signs in free agency, but for the most part, the snaps will be eaten up by the young guys. Peko will have a lot of work to do to make this front four a truly dangerous unit again. 

Steelers' Derrick Harmon and Cameron Heyward

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Then-rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon celebrates with team captain Cameron Heyward during a home game for the Steelers.

What do you think about the Steelers bringing Peko back to the AFC North to be the defensive line coach? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.