Steelers Analyze New Coaching Staff Compared to Tomlin's

Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast discusses how Mike McCarthy's staff stacks up to Mike Tomlin's

Feb. 12, 2026 at 9:07pm

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In the latest episode of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast, hosts Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith analyze how the coaching staff assembled by new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy compares to the staff built by former head coach Mike Tomlin. They also discuss the team's potential free agent targets at wide receiver, speculation around linebacker Patrick Queen, and Mike Tomlin's role on the NFL's competition committee.

Why it matters

The Steelers' coaching staff is a critical factor in the team's success, so analyzing how the new staff under McCarthy measures up to Tomlin's staff is important for understanding the team's outlook for the upcoming season. The podcast also touches on key roster decisions and league-level issues that impact the Steelers.

The details

Saunders and Smith break down the qualifications and experience of McCarthy's assistants compared to Tomlin's staff, looking at factors like coordinator experience, positional coaching expertise, and overall depth of the coaching roster. They also speculate on the Steelers' potential free agent targets at wide receiver to bolster the offense, and discuss the rumors surrounding linebacker Patrick Queen and Tomlin's role on the NFL competition committee.

  • The Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired in 2026 to replace longtime coach Mike Tomlin.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down in 2026 after 15 seasons with the team.

Alan Saunders

Co-host of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast.

Zachary Smith

Co-host of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast.

Patrick Queen

A linebacker who has been linked to the Steelers in free agent speculation.

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What they’re saying

“We discuss if the team will go big for a WR in free agency, what to make of all the smoke surrounding Patrick Queen and how Mike Tomlin's role on the competition committee goes away with him no longer being a head coach.”

— Zachary Smith, Co-host (Steelers Afternoon Drive)

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate their coaching staff and roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

The takeaway

The transition from Mike Tomlin's long-tenured coaching staff to Mike McCarthy's new group will be a key storyline to watch for the Steelers in 2026, as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge with a revamped coaching structure.