Steelers Add Derius Swinton II as Senior Special Teams Assistant Coach

Swinton joins new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman's staff in Pittsburgh.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:47pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding Derius Swinton II as a senior special teams assistant coach, a new position on the team's coaching staff. Swinton has over a decade of NFL special teams coaching experience, including stints with the Raiders, Chargers, Rams, Chiefs, Bears, 49ers, and Cardinals.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to improve their special teams units under new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. Swinton's addition as a senior assistant provides additional expertise and support to help turn around the team's special teams performance.

The details

Swinton was the Las Vegas Raiders' assistant special teams coach for the past three years, working under several different head coaches. Prior to that, he served as the Los Angeles Chargers' special teams coordinator in 2021. Swinton began his NFL coaching career as a special teams quality control coach with the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs earlier in his career.

  • Swinton has been hired by the Steelers ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Derius Swinton II

A veteran NFL special teams coach who is joining the Steelers' staff as a senior special teams assistant.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is adding Swinton to his coaching staff.

Danny Crossman

The Steelers' new special teams coordinator, who Swinton will be assisting.

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What they’re saying

“The Pittsburgh Steelers' logo at the team's UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.”

— Ed Thompson, Steelers Now (steelersnow.com)

The takeaway

The Steelers are making a concerted effort to improve their special teams units by bringing in experienced coaches like Derius Swinton II to work alongside new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. This move signals the team's commitment to upgrading a phase of the game that has been a weakness in recent years.