Former Steelers Lineman Warns of Gloomy Future for Veteran Players

Trai Essex believes Mike McCarthy's expanded coaching staff will focus on developing young talent in Pittsburgh.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are undergoing a coaching staff overhaul under new head coach Mike McCarthy, bringing in a diverse group of veteran and inexperienced coaches. Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex believes this larger coaching staff will prioritize developing the team's young players, which has been a weakness in recent years. The Steelers have struggled to retain and improve homegrown talent, with several former draft picks thriving after leaving the team. With an aging roster and a potential quarterback change on the horizon, the Steelers are hoping McCarthy's approach can revitalize their offense and return the team to contention.

Why it matters

The Steelers' inability to develop young offensive talent has been a persistent problem, leaving them reliant on free agent and trade acquisitions. This has resulted in the loss of promising draft picks who have gone on to excel elsewhere. McCarthy's expanded coaching staff is seen as a potential solution to this issue, as the team looks to build a sustainable roster for the future.

The details

The Steelers' new coaching staff under Mike McCarthy is significantly larger than previous regimes, with the addition of veteran coaches like Patrick Graham and James Campen, as well as less experienced assistants such as Ramon Chinyoung, Domata Peko, and Jahri Evans. Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex believes this expanded staff will focus on developing the team's young players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where the Steelers have struggled to retain and improve homegrown talent in recent years.

  • The Steelers are nearing completion of their new coaching staff under Mike McCarthy.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, tasked with revamping the team's coaching staff and developing young talent.

Trai Essex

A former offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Super Bowl champion, who now hosts a show called "The Snap Count".

Roman Wilson

A young offensive player for the Steelers who has struggled to make an impact.

George Pickens

A former Steelers draft pick who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys and had a breakout season in his first year with the team.

Kevin Dotson

A former Steelers draft pick who has become one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL after leaving the team and joining the Los Angeles Rams.

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What they’re saying

“What I'm thinking of, for me, when I see how many people [McCarthy] has tasked to help coach and lead this team, I'm thinking he's concentrating on the development of young players.”

— Trai Essex, Former Steelers Offensive Lineman (The Snap Count)

What’s next

The Steelers will look to their new, expanded coaching staff to help develop their young offensive talent, particularly at quarterback, as they prepare for the potential departure of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers after the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Steelers' inability to retain and improve homegrown talent has been a persistent issue, leading to the loss of promising draft picks who have thrived elsewhere. Mike McCarthy's focus on building a larger, more experienced coaching staff signals a renewed emphasis on player development, which could be crucial in revitalizing the team's offense and securing a sustainable future.