The Pittsburgh Steelers face an important decision as they look ahead to the 2025 NFL offseason: Should they bring back defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for another year? Austin, who earned his spot due to his successful work with the Steelers secondary, has been at the helm of the defense since 2022. However, his tenure has been far from smooth, raising questions about whether Pittsburgh’s defensive identity is at risk.
Austin’s journey with the Steelers began in 2019 when he took over as the team’s secondary coach. Under his guidance, the secondary showed significant improvement, helping the Steelers' defense remain one of the NFL’s best during a transition period. His work with cornerbacks and safeties was a bright spot in an otherwise tough era.
By 2022, Austin was promoted to defensive coordinator, succeeding Keith Butler, known for his aggressive blitz-heavy schemes. But things aren't going according to plan.
Since Austin’s ascension to defensive coordinator, the Steelers' defense has struggled to maintain the same level of dominance. While the defense is still solid, it lacks the same swagger and consistency that had defined it in past years.
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In particular, the Steelers’ inability to win playoff games with Austin leading the defense is concerning. Despite having a wealth of talent, including standout players like T.J. Watt, the Steelers have been unable to replicate their previous defensive success on the postseason stage.
Steelers' embarrassing defensive performance puts Teryl Austin under the microscope
The team’s poor performance in their Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens is a stark reminder of the defense’s struggles. The Ravens ran roughshod over the Steelers, rushing for a staggering 299 yards—an embarrassing total for a team that prides itself on stopping the run. This level of dominance from a division rival is troubling and highlights the flaws in the current defensive scheme under Austin.
With the Steelers announcing their commitment to head coach Mike Tomlin for the 2025 season, changes elsewhere are inevitable. The defense - the hallmark of the franchise, must be held to a higher standard. If Pittsburgh is serious about returning to championship contention, they must evaluate the current state of their defense and whether Austin is the right man to lead it forward.
Ultimately, whether Teryl Austin returns as defensive coordinator will depend on how the Steelers view their future. If changes are to come, Austin will likely be under the microscope, with his performance in 2025 crucial to his continued tenure in Pittsburgh.