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Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko reacted to joining Mike McCarthy’s new Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff.
Domata Peko played 11 years for the Cincinnati Bengals. But in 2026, he will be part of Mike McCarthy’s first coaching staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Peko addressed joining the black and gold side of the heated AFC North rivalries while appearing on Thee Pregame Network this week.
“You’re always blessed when you get an opportunity to elevate,” Peko said on Wednesday. “Especially with an organization like Pittsburgh, the Steelers.
“Don’t get much better than that.”
NFL players and coaches are used to changing uniforms. But Peko’s comments are quite notable since he spent 12 combined seasons as a player with the Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.
Peko began his NFL coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys under McCarthy in 2024.
“Gotta go to the next level and help out coach Mike McCarthy, which is a blessing for me,” added Peko. “Spent some time with him in Dallas, and I’m happy to get back to work with him with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Last season, Peko coached under another notable name — Deion Sanders. Peko served as Colorado’s defensive line coach in 2025.
In Pittsburgh, Peko is replacing longtime defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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