The Pittsburgh Steelers just dropped a bombshell announcement that has the entire NFL world buzzing: their full 2026 coaching staff is officially set, and it’s packed with surprises. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the team is expected to re-sign Aaron Rodgers this offseason, neither of their new quarterbacks coaches, Tim Berbenich nor Tom Arth, has ever worked with him. Is this a bold strategy or a risky oversight? Let’s dive in.
On Friday, the Steelers unveiled their complete coaching lineup for the upcoming season, introducing Berbenich as the new game management and quarterbacks coach, Robert Kugler as tight ends coach, and Shawn Howe as a defensive assistant. Berbenich, a seasoned NFL veteran at 46, brings a wealth of experience from seven different teams since 2003. His recent roles include tight ends coach for the Titans (2022), coaching analyst for the Rams (2023), and pass game specialist/game management for the Falcons (2024-2025). Interestingly, unlike many of the Steelers’ new offensive hires, Berbenich has no prior connection to head coach Mike McCarthy—a detail that raises eyebrows given the team’s rumored plans with Rodgers.
Robert Kugler steps into the tight ends role after five seasons as an assistant offensive line coach, with stops in Houston (2021), Carolina (2022-2023), and New England (2024-2025). Before his NFL tenure, Kugler worked with tight ends at UTEP in 2017 and had brief stints at the University of Washington and Appalachian State. His expertise will be crucial for the Steelers’ tight end trio of Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington, who are all returning for 2026. While Smith struggled in his reunion with former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith (averaging just 13.1 yards per game and 5.8 yards per reception), Freiermuth and Washington shone with similar target shares. With limited talent at wide receiver, these tight ends will likely be the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense—a strategy that could make or break their season.
And this is the part most people miss: Shawn Howe, the new defensive assistant, is making the leap to the NFL after 21 years in college football. Most recently at Montana State, Howe served as run game coordinator and defensive line coach starting in 2021, earning a promotion to co-defensive coordinator in 2024. In 2005, he led the Bobcats to their first-ever FCS National Championship as sole defensive coordinator. Given his extensive background with defensive lines, Howe is expected to focus on that position group in Pittsburgh—a move that could solidify the Steelers’ defensive front.
So, here’s the big question: Can this coaching staff, with its mix of NFL veterans and college standouts, lead the Steelers to success in 2026? And what does the lack of familiarity between Rodgers and his new coaches really mean for the team’s future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
