Steelers Announce Full 2026 Coaching Staff

"Berbenich, 46, has worked in the NFL since 2003 with a variety of roles with seven different teams. His last three jobs were with the Teams (tight ends coach, 2022), Rams (coaching analyst, 2023), and Falcons (pass game specialist/game management, 2024-2025). Unlike many of the Steelers' new offensive coaches, Berbenich has not worked with Mike McCarthy in the past. He has not worked with Aaron Rodgers either, nor has the team's other QBs coach, Tom Arth."

"The Steelers' top three tight ends - Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington - are all set to return for the 2026 season. Smith disappointed in his reunion with former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, averaging just 13.1 yards per game and 5.8 yards per reception. Freiermuth and Washington were much more productive with similar target shares. The trio will likely be a major part of Pittsburgh's new offense with little established talent at wide receiver."

The Steelers announced their full 2026 coaching staff, adding Tim Berbenich as game management/quarterbacks coach, Robert Kugler as tight ends coach, and Shawn Howe as a defensive assistant. Berbenich, 46, has worked in the NFL since 2003 in various roles with seven teams, most recently with the Teams (tight ends coach, 2022), Rams (coaching analyst, 2023), and Falcons (pass game specialist/game management, 2024-2025). Berbenich has not worked with Mike McCarthy or Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Arth also lacks prior work with Rodgers despite expectations he may re-sign. Kugler spent five seasons as an assistant offensive line coach in Houston, Carolina, and New England and previously coached tight ends at UTEP with stops at Washington and Appalachian State. The top three Steelers tight ends—Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington—are all set to return for 2026; Smith underperformed while Freiermuth and Washington were more productive. Howe arrives after 21 years in college coaching, most recently at Montana State, and has significant defensive line and coordinator experience, including leading the Bobcats to an FCS National Championship in 2005.

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