Former Steelers Assistant Coach Returns to College Ranks

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach Mike Sullivan has landed a new job with Rutgers as the senior offensive assistant for head coach Greg Schiano. Sullivan spent four seasons with the Steelers from 2021-24, starting as quarterbacks coach and later taking over play-calling duties after the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. He was not retained by the Steelers in 2025 and did not coach last season.

Why it matters

Sullivan brings extensive NFL experience to Rutgers, having served as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in his career. His addition to Schiano's staff could help boost the Scarlet Knights' offensive production as they look to improve upon a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Sullivan, 59, spent four seasons with the Steelers from 2021-24. He started out as the team's quarterbacks coach, serving under offensive coordinator Matt Canada from 2021-23. After Canada was fired in the middle of the 2023 season, Sullivan took over play-calling duties for the offense, but retained his quarterbacks coach title, while running backs coach Eddie Faulkner was named interim offensive coordinator. In 2024, the Steelers did not consider Sullivan for the full-time offensive coordinator role, but after the Steelers brought Arthur Smith in to be offensive coordinator, Sullivan was retained as senior offensive assistant. He was not brought back to the Steelers in 2025 and did not coach elsewhere last season.

• Sullivan spent four seasons with the Steelers from 2021-24.
• He was not brought back to the Steelers in 2025 and did not coach elsewhere last season.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Rutgers will look to Mike Sullivan's NFL experience to help boost their offensive production in the upcoming season as they aim to improve upon a disappointing 2025 campaign.