Mike McCarthy has been hard at work forming a quality coaching staff for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The group is forming better than some might've predicted. His latest splash has been bringing Partrick Graham aboard as his defensive coordinator. That is a vital position, given that McCarthy is an offensive-minded head coach.
The offensive coordinator position isn't as vital, but it is still important.
McCarthy made it clear he will call plays for the Steelers’ offense, as he has done for most of his head-coaching career. Whoever becomes the next offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh must take a back seat to McCarthy, but that doesn't mean the position isn't important. The early candidates rumored to be interested in the vacancy present several intriguing options to consider.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike McCarthy has compiled a strong candidate pool for offensive coordinator
Scott Tolzien, New Orleans Saints
After being announced as a top option to interview for the offensive coordinator opening, most of Steelers Nation is thrilled with the idea of hiring Scott Tolzien. The fanbase wants the coaching staff to move in a positive direction under McCarthy, which includes adding younger offensive minds.
Given his clear connection to the Steelers’ head coach, Tolzien should be considered a favorite.
Tolzien is only 38 years old, but has been rising up the coaching ranks rather fast. He spent the past year in New Orleans working under Kellen Moore, a strong, offensive-minded head coach. Before that, Tolzien was a coach on McCarthy's staff in Dallas during his entire tenure. Add in the fact that Tolzien was a former teammate of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, and he might be the most sensible.
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Brian Angelichio, Minnesota Vikings
Pittsburgh would be wise to target a coaching tree rooted in brilliant offensive minds. That approach helps explain why Brian Angelichio is under consideration for offensive coordinator on McCarthy’s staff. The primary concern is that Angelichio is 53 and has never held an NFL offensive coordinator role, which could give the team pause. He does have strong ties that could land him the job.
Angelichio has some Pittsburgh connections, coaching at the University of Pittsburgh from 2006 to 2010. It’s also worth noting that he served on McCarthy’s staff in Green Bay from 2016 to 2018 as the tight ends coach. That familiarity, combined with his time on Minnesota’s strong offensive staff, could make Angelichio a serious candidate to join the Steelers. He isn't the favorite, but don't look past him.
Lunda Wells, Dallas Cowboys
The first name announced to get an interview with Pittsburgh was Lunda Wells.
He just got done coaching the East-West Shrine Bowl, and while that isn't moving the needle in his favor much, it doesn't hurt either. He remains the tight ends coach for the Cowboys and performed in that role under McCarthy during his tenure in Dallas. Wells could get a shot at becoming the Steelers' next offensive coordinator.
He has not held the role during his career, but it is a position he hopes to earn. Wells is still relatively young at 42 years old. He will turn 43 on February 10. His time as a tight ends coach has seen him produce strong players at the position. Wells doesn't have experience calling plays, but that won't matter under McCarthy. Both parties know each other well, and he is another solid choice.