Steelers Hire Former Commanders DC as Assistant Head Coach

Joe Whitt Jr. joins Pittsburgh's coaching staff after two seasons leading Washington's defense.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired former Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as their new assistant head coach and secondary coach. Whitt, who previously worked under Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay, will help oversee the team's defensive backs and provide additional coaching support.

Why it matters

Whitt's hiring brings in an experienced defensive coach with a strong track record of developing defensive backs. His familiarity with McCarthy's system should also help provide continuity on the Steelers' coaching staff after the departure of their previous secondary coach.

The details

Whitt was fired by the Commanders at the end of the 2025 season after two years as their defensive coordinator. Prior to that, he spent nine seasons on McCarthy's staff in Green Bay, where he helped the Packers' defensive backs lead the league in interceptions from 2009 to 2017. In Dallas, Whitt oversaw the development of standout cornerbacks like Trevon Diggs and Da'Ron Bland. He has also coached defensive backs for the Browns and Falcons.

  • Whitt was fired by the Commanders at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Whitt previously worked under Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay from 2009 to 2017.

The players

Joe Whitt Jr.

A veteran NFL coach who has served as a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, most recently with the Washington Commanders.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously worked with Whitt on his staff in Green Bay.

Gerald Alexander

The Steelers' previous secondary coach, who has left to join the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“Whitt brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing defensive backs. His familiarity with our system will be a valuable asset as we look to improve our secondary.”

— Mike Tomlin, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

Whitt will begin working with the Steelers' defensive backs immediately as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Steelers' hiring of Joe Whitt Jr. as assistant head coach and secondary coach represents an effort to bolster their defensive coaching staff with an experienced and respected NFL assistant who has a history of success developing defensive backs.