The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised for a major shake-up this offseason, as former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy begins assembling a coaching staff heavily influenced by his previous tenure in Green Bay. After being hired as the Steelers’ next head coach, McCarthy has made it clear that his vision for Pittsburgh will lean on familiar faces from his time with the Packers, while also strengthening key personnel in player evaluation and scouting.
The Miami Dolphins have been particularly active this offseason, acquiring nearly the entire defensive staff from the 2025 Green Bay Packers. This includes defensive coaches who had been integral to Green Bay’s schemes, as well as vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and pro scout Venzell Boulware. While media outlets have focused on what some are calling “Packers South” — the influx of former Packers personnel in Miami — attention is now shifting to Pittsburgh, where McCarthy is assembling “Packers East.”
One of the most intriguing storylines revolves around Aaron Rodgers. McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay from 2006 to 2018, and speculation is rampant about whether Rodgers will come out of retirement — or stay retired — to reunite with his former head coach. In his opening press conference in Pittsburgh, McCarthy said he “definitely” wants Rodgers to be his quarterback next year, leaving fans eager for updates on the superstar’s future.
Off the field, McCarthy’s staffing decisions are already shaping up to reflect a strong Green Bay influence. Patrick Graham, who served as defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly set to become McCarthy’s defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Graham previously worked with McCarthy as the Packers’ linebackers coach and run game coordinator in 2018, providing continuity and familiarity in defensive philosophy.
On the offensive side, McCarthy intends to personally call plays, underscoring the importance of hiring experienced coordinators and position coaches he trusts. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that James Campen, Green Bay’s offensive line coach from 2007 to 2018, will join Pittsburgh as the offensive line coach. Campen had remained under contract when head coach Matt LaFleur was hired in Green Bay, eventually leaving to coach with the Cleveland Browns. McCarthy’s decision to bring him to Pittsburgh reunites the duo with a coach well-versed in his system and philosophy.
The Steelers are also welcoming Jason Simmons, who worked in Green Bay from 2011 to 2019 in various secondary coaching roles. Simmons’ expertise will be pivotal as Pittsburgh looks to strengthen its pass defense while integrating McCarthy’s strategic vision.
Additionally, former Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien, who played from 2013 to 2015 and later coached under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys, is being considered for the offensive coordinator role. Tolzien’s familiarity with McCarthy’s offensive schemes and philosophy could make him a natural fit, particularly if Rodgers decides to return and run the offense McCarthy helped develop over more than a decade in Green Bay.
This migration of talent highlights a broader trend: McCarthy’s reliance on trusted personnel to execute his game plans and maintain continuity. By bringing in coaches and staff who understand his systems, Pittsburgh is aiming for a faster transition and greater cohesion, potentially giving them an edge in both player development and in-game strategy.
The infusion of former Packers talent is not limited to coaches. Sullivan and Boulware, both key personnel evaluators in Green Bay, will help Pittsburgh with scouting and roster decisions. Their experience identifying talent in the NFL draft and managing player acquisitions could be crucial as McCarthy seeks to rebuild and strengthen the Steelers’ roster for 2026.
For Green Bay fans, this movement is a bittersweet story. While their former coaches and staff members are leaving, it underscores the strong bonds and loyalty McCarthy maintains with his former colleagues. These familiar faces in Pittsburgh may also intensify the spotlight on Rodgers, whose potential return to the field could create a narrative reminiscent of his Green Bay prime.
With the Steelers’ official training camp and preseason approaching, the team’s new structure promises to attract national attention. Analysts will be watching closely to see how McCarthy integrates his Green Bay connections into Pittsburgh’s culture, how the defensive and offensive systems are implemented, and whether Rodgers ultimately joins his former head coach for another run in the NFL.
The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling yet, particularly for fans of the Packers and Steelers alike. With McCarthy’s staff migration and potential player movements, Pittsburgh could become a hub of Green Bay-style football — and, for many observers, a testing ground for whether continuity and familiarity can translate into success on a new stage.
As the offseason unfolds, questions remain about Rodgers’ playing status, the effectiveness of the reassembled coaching staff, and whether Pittsburgh can harness these familiar talents to build a contender. What is certain is that the Steelers’ organization is undergoing a significant transformation, and fans of both franchises will be watching every move closely.
