Domata Peko spent most of his long NFL career playing in the AFC North. Now, he’ll be coaching in it. From his days as a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new defensive line coach, Peko is one of the greenest coaches on Mike McCarthy’s new staff. But he’s excited for the chance to get to work.
In an interview with Thee Pregame Network, Peko shared his thoughts about joining Pittsburgh.
“You’re always blessed when you get an opportunity to elevate,” Peko told the show. “And especially with an organization like Pittsburgh, the Steelers. Don’t get much better than that…gotta go to the next level and help out coach Mike McCarthy, which is a blessing for me. Spent some time with him in Dallas, and I’m happy to get back to work with him with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Peko has been a coach for just two seasons. He spent time interning for the McCarthy’s Dallas Cowboys in 2024 before landing his first positional job with Deion Sanders and Colorado in 2025. Throughout the conversation, Peko acknowledged the difficult decision to leave Boulder, but a chance to run a room in the NFL was too good to pass up.
Like most of McCarthy’s hires, Peko’s past experience working with him will make for an easier transition.
“I actually started off, it’s called the Bill Walsh Coaches Fellowship. I was in there as an assistant coach. Just doing the little things in the d-line room. Drawing up cards, different runs. Top runs of the week. Doing some computer things as well, and PowerPoint. Getting some meetings ready for our main d-line coach.”
Peko’s connection came through the NFL’s fellowship program and through then-Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Peko played for Zimmer as a defensive tackle for the Bengals, where he thrived in the league for several seasons. Though he never made a Pro Bowl, he was consistent, durable, and impactful as a stout run defender and a pass-game pocket-collapser.
He spent the final few years of his career bouncing around the NFL, including signing with the Baltimore Ravens for 2019. Coaching the Steelers nearly completes the AFC North tour.
Peko will be in charge of a young room that needs continued development. Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black enjoyed successful rookie seasons but have plenty more to build on, especially as pass rushers. Combined, they registered just six quarterback hits. Keeanu Benton had his best season, but his run defense needs to find more consistency. And Peko will have the potential task of working with a peer in Cam Heyward, just a few years younger, in what could be his final NFL season – that is, if Heyward elects to play at all.
McCarthy is taking a risk with Peko. He could’ve kept longtime d-line coach Karl Dunbar, who quickly found work with the New York Jets. Or he could’ve hired an equally experienced coach. Instead, Peko comes in with a big role and the need to prove he can coach in the NFL. If McCarthy’s proven right, it’ll be one of his smartest hires.