Pittsburgh could have a coach leaving soon, but it’s not the one fans had hoped would go. Here’s the latest Steelers news you need to know.
It was an eventful Wednesday filled with gossip and rumors, and Diontae Johnson became a trending topic on social media. Between blocking media members on Twitter and a cryptic tweet, many wondered what was going on with the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Perhaps the answer is nothing at all, or maybe we don’t know yet.
Thankfully, we have actual concrete news today and not just rumors. Pittsburgh is sure to make some changes during the offseason, and it’s already looking like they may not have the same exact coaching staff they did in 2022. The latest Steelers news involves a high-profile assistant coach who could soon be earning a new role with a different team.
Steelers news
According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Brian Flores is set to interview with the Cleveland Browns for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Flores was the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers quickly snatched him up as a defensive assistant when he was fired last year.
With the success he has had in the past, it’s only a matter of time before somebody poaches Flores from the Steelers, and some fans and media members have suggested firing Teryl Austin and promoting Flores as the team’s defensive coordinator. This move seems unlikely as Austin’s defense finished the year strong.
If Flores doesn’t ink a deal with the Browns, he should be getting plenty of other interviews in the near future.
More Steelers news
Cameron Heyward was once again a staple to Pittsburgh’s defense in 2022, but the veteran defensive lineman recently expressed to the media that he’s not one-hundred percent sure about his future in Pittsburgh. Here’s what he had to say, via Noah Strackbein of All Steelers:
"“You never know if they want me back or not. I say it every year. I would like to be back but you never know. There is the business side of things. NFL, not for long. I want to be back. I would like to be a Steeler but you don’t know what’s going on in the future.”"
There’s no question that Heyward wants to be back in the Steel City next year, and despite his comments, there’s very little doubt that he will be. If anything, the Steelers have a tendency to be overly loyal to their star players, and Heyward is still one of the best in the business.
NFL news
Nick Shook of NFL.com reported yesterday that Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has been ruled out for Miami’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Tua remains in concussion protocol, and he has been there since December 26th. Here’s what head coach, Mike McDaniel, had to say:
"“As of today, Tua has not been cleared by doctors to resume football activities on the field with his teammates, so because of that and because of the time that he’s missed, I can rule him out for Sunday.”"
This was expected, but now it becomes official. Tagovailoa suffered several serious head injuries this season, and many have doubts about his future in the league due to his concussion history. The Dolphins will be forced to start Teddy Bridgewater — who is working his way back from a finger injury — or rookie Skylar Thompson.