Mike DeFabo
@mikedefabo.bsky.social
Steelers beat writer at The Athletic.
Next week’s NFL Scouting Combine is often when free agent discussions begin with players still on the Steelers’ own roster.
Ranking the top pending FAs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Ranking the top pending FAs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Steelers’ top 20 free agents: Aaron Rodgers among key offensive pieces
Plus, sorting out a collection of free agents in the defensive backfield.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Next week’s NFL Scouting Combine is often when free agent discussions begin with players still on the Steelers’ own roster.
Ranking the top pending FAs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Ranking the top pending FAs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
My first mock draft of the szn features:
- A first-round trade up, but not for a QB
- A WR coached by Hines Ward
- An ultra-physical CB
- A QB with a connection to Mike McCarthy
- A mullet-wearing OL who just belongs in Pittsburgh
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
- A first-round trade up, but not for a QB
- A WR coached by Hines Ward
- An ultra-physical CB
- A QB with a connection to Mike McCarthy
- A mullet-wearing OL who just belongs in Pittsburgh
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Steelers 7-round mock draft: A trade up in Round 1, but not for a QB
A projection of how the Steelers will spend their projected 12 picks when they host the draft.
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:49 PM
My first mock draft of the szn features:
- A first-round trade up, but not for a QB
- A WR coached by Hines Ward
- An ultra-physical CB
- A QB with a connection to Mike McCarthy
- A mullet-wearing OL who just belongs in Pittsburgh
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
- A first-round trade up, but not for a QB
- A WR coached by Hines Ward
- An ultra-physical CB
- A QB with a connection to Mike McCarthy
- A mullet-wearing OL who just belongs in Pittsburgh
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
This week on The Yinziders with @jennaharner.bsky.social
The Ol’ 29er, Phil Bourque, catches us up on the Penguins’ surprising season. How Kyle Dubas assembled a contender, why Dan Muse is pushing the right buttons and a few moves to watch ahead of the deadline.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=I1DD...
The Ol’ 29er, Phil Bourque, catches us up on the Penguins’ surprising season. How Kyle Dubas assembled a contender, why Dan Muse is pushing the right buttons and a few moves to watch ahead of the deadline.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=I1DD...
Penguins hockey talk with Phil Borque + What can the Steelers learn from the Super Bowl?
YouTube video by The Yinziders
m.youtube.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:04 PM
This week on The Yinziders with @jennaharner.bsky.social
The Ol’ 29er, Phil Bourque, catches us up on the Penguins’ surprising season. How Kyle Dubas assembled a contender, why Dan Muse is pushing the right buttons and a few moves to watch ahead of the deadline.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=I1DD...
The Ol’ 29er, Phil Bourque, catches us up on the Penguins’ surprising season. How Kyle Dubas assembled a contender, why Dan Muse is pushing the right buttons and a few moves to watch ahead of the deadline.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=I1DD...
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? His old playbook holds some clues
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
What will Mike McCarthy’s Steelers offense look like? His old playbook holds some clues
You can count on at least some West Coast concepts on Pittsburgh's North Shore in 2026.
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:11 PM
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? His old playbook holds some clues
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? Let's start with a few pages from his 2004 Saints playbook.
How West Coast turned to Texas Coast and what it might mean for a familiar QB on the North Shore:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
How West Coast turned to Texas Coast and what it might mean for a familiar QB on the North Shore:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
What will Mike McCarthy’s Steelers offense look like? His old playbook holds some clues
You can count on at least some West Coast concepts on Pittsburgh's North Shore in 2026.
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:51 AM
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? Let's start with a few pages from his 2004 Saints playbook.
How West Coast turned to Texas Coast and what it might mean for a familiar QB on the North Shore:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
How West Coast turned to Texas Coast and what it might mean for a familiar QB on the North Shore:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Mike McCarthy's staff continues to take shape. Brian Angelichio has been named OC, and Joe Whitt Jr. has been named assistant head coach/secondary coach.
Additionally, Frank Cignetti Jr. will be Senior Offensive Assistant, per source.
Here's more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Additionally, Frank Cignetti Jr. will be Senior Offensive Assistant, per source.
Here's more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Steelers hire former Vikings assistant Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator
Ex-Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who will be a defensive backs coach for Pittsburgh, was also among the assistants hired.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Mike McCarthy's staff continues to take shape. Brian Angelichio has been named OC, and Joe Whitt Jr. has been named assistant head coach/secondary coach.
Additionally, Frank Cignetti Jr. will be Senior Offensive Assistant, per source.
Here's more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Additionally, Frank Cignetti Jr. will be Senior Offensive Assistant, per source.
Here's more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
What will Mike McCarthy’s Steelers offense look like? His old playbook holds some clues
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
February 4, 2026 at 2:40 PM
What will Mike McCarthy’s Steelers offense look like? His old playbook holds some clues
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
A young Mike McCarthy became a West Coast offense "believer" at Pitt, where he was two degrees of separation from Bill Walsh himself.
In 2000-2004 as the OC in New Orleans, McCarthy passed out his own playbook. It featured many WCO staple concepts, including Dragon (slant/flat).
In 2000-2004 as the OC in New Orleans, McCarthy passed out his own playbook. It featured many WCO staple concepts, including Dragon (slant/flat).
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
A young Mike McCarthy became a West Coast offense "believer" at Pitt, where he was two degrees of separation from Bill Walsh himself.
In 2000-2004 as the OC in New Orleans, McCarthy passed out his own playbook. It featured many WCO staple concepts, including Dragon (slant/flat).
In 2000-2004 as the OC in New Orleans, McCarthy passed out his own playbook. It featured many WCO staple concepts, including Dragon (slant/flat).
This week on The Yinziders with @jennaharner.bsky.social:
🏈Mike McCarthy’s staff is coming together. A look at what he’s assembled.
🤠Cowboys writer Jon Machota gives us some insight into McCarthy’s five-year tenure in Dallas.
🐶 Zeke’s Super Bowl picks.
Subscribe!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
🏈Mike McCarthy’s staff is coming together. A look at what he’s assembled.
🤠Cowboys writer Jon Machota gives us some insight into McCarthy’s five-year tenure in Dallas.
🐶 Zeke’s Super Bowl picks.
Subscribe!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
Mike McCarthy rounds out Steelers staff + insight from a writer who covered him in Dallas
YouTube video by The Yinziders
m.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:32 PM
This week on The Yinziders with @jennaharner.bsky.social:
🏈Mike McCarthy’s staff is coming together. A look at what he’s assembled.
🤠Cowboys writer Jon Machota gives us some insight into McCarthy’s five-year tenure in Dallas.
🐶 Zeke’s Super Bowl picks.
Subscribe!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
🏈Mike McCarthy’s staff is coming together. A look at what he’s assembled.
🤠Cowboys writer Jon Machota gives us some insight into McCarthy’s five-year tenure in Dallas.
🐶 Zeke’s Super Bowl picks.
Subscribe!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
“There’s no Pat Graham playbook,” he told The Athletic in 2024. “Yeah, there’s stuff that comes from my NE time, my time at GB. But to me, it’s all about who do you have?”
Here’s more on the next Steelers DC and a malleable philosophy shaped by mentors: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Here’s more on the next Steelers DC and a malleable philosophy shaped by mentors: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Steelers set to hire Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator: Sources
It is arguably the most important position on new head coach Mike McCarthy's first Steelers coaching staff.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:27 PM
“There’s no Pat Graham playbook,” he told The Athletic in 2024. “Yeah, there’s stuff that comes from my NE time, my time at GB. But to me, it’s all about who do you have?”
Here’s more on the next Steelers DC and a malleable philosophy shaped by mentors: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Here’s more on the next Steelers DC and a malleable philosophy shaped by mentors: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
The Steelers are signing wide receiver A.T. Perry to a futures contract, the team announced.
A two-time first-team All-ACC WR at Wake Forest, Perry was a sixth-round pick by the Saints in 2023. He's nearly 6-4 and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the 2023 combine.
A two-time first-team All-ACC WR at Wake Forest, Perry was a sixth-round pick by the Saints in 2023. He's nearly 6-4 and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the 2023 combine.
January 29, 2026 at 9:37 PM
The Steelers are signing wide receiver A.T. Perry to a futures contract, the team announced.
A two-time first-team All-ACC WR at Wake Forest, Perry was a sixth-round pick by the Saints in 2023. He's nearly 6-4 and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the 2023 combine.
A two-time first-team All-ACC WR at Wake Forest, Perry was a sixth-round pick by the Saints in 2023. He's nearly 6-4 and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the 2023 combine.
My Alma mater, Greater Latrobe, is hosting an event called the Rockdown to benefit @bloodcancerunited.bsky.social and the school publications.
I’m sharing a QR code below. I appreciate anyone who considers making a small donation to support a good cause.
I’m sharing a QR code below. I appreciate anyone who considers making a small donation to support a good cause.
January 29, 2026 at 3:06 PM
My Alma mater, Greater Latrobe, is hosting an event called the Rockdown to benefit @bloodcancerunited.bsky.social and the school publications.
I’m sharing a QR code below. I appreciate anyone who considers making a small donation to support a good cause.
I’m sharing a QR code below. I appreciate anyone who considers making a small donation to support a good cause.
This week on The Yinziders:
@jennaharner.bsky.social and I discuss what we learned at Mike McCarthy’s introductory presser. What the hire means for Aaron Rodgers and why the staff is so critical.
Plus, someone stole Jenna’s parking chair!
Subscribe in YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=2YxL...
@jennaharner.bsky.social and I discuss what we learned at Mike McCarthy’s introductory presser. What the hire means for Aaron Rodgers and why the staff is so critical.
Plus, someone stole Jenna’s parking chair!
Subscribe in YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=2YxL...
Mike McCarthy is the new Steelers head coach — what we learned at his press conference
YouTube video by The Yinziders
m.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:51 PM
This week on The Yinziders:
@jennaharner.bsky.social and I discuss what we learned at Mike McCarthy’s introductory presser. What the hire means for Aaron Rodgers and why the staff is so critical.
Plus, someone stole Jenna’s parking chair!
Subscribe in YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=2YxL...
@jennaharner.bsky.social and I discuss what we learned at Mike McCarthy’s introductory presser. What the hire means for Aaron Rodgers and why the staff is so critical.
Plus, someone stole Jenna’s parking chair!
Subscribe in YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=2YxL...
It was an emotional day for Mike McCarthy, as the Pittsburgh native was introduced as the Steelers head coach:
January 27, 2026 at 10:57 PM
It was an emotional day for Mike McCarthy, as the Pittsburgh native was introduced as the Steelers head coach:
Mike McCarthy on if he'd like Aaron Rodgers back: "Definitely. I don't see why you wouldn't."
The new Steelers head coach has already spoken with Aaron, but said that he also understands the importance of time away before the QB makes a decision: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
The new Steelers head coach has already spoken with Aaron, but said that he also understands the importance of time away before the QB makes a decision: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Mike McCarthy says he wants Aaron Rodgers back with Steelers in 2026
"Definitely, I don't see why you wouldn't," McCarthy said at his introductory news conference.
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Mike McCarthy on if he'd like Aaron Rodgers back: "Definitely. I don't see why you wouldn't."
The new Steelers head coach has already spoken with Aaron, but said that he also understands the importance of time away before the QB makes a decision: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
The new Steelers head coach has already spoken with Aaron, but said that he also understands the importance of time away before the QB makes a decision: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
January 26, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Steelers owner Art Rooney II: ‘We’ve left the door open’ for Aaron Rodgers’ return
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
January 25, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Steelers owner Art Rooney II: ‘We’ve left the door open’ for Aaron Rodgers’ return
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Whether Aaron Rodgers returns to the Steelers in 2026 or not, the Mike McCarthy hire should be judged in one way:
Can he get Pittsburgh out of this cycle of veteran Band-Aids — and fast?
Can he get Pittsburgh out of this cycle of veteran Band-Aids — and fast?
January 25, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Whether Aaron Rodgers returns to the Steelers in 2026 or not, the Mike McCarthy hire should be judged in one way:
Can he get Pittsburgh out of this cycle of veteran Band-Aids — and fast?
Can he get Pittsburgh out of this cycle of veteran Band-Aids — and fast?
The Mike McCarthy hire has everything to do with the QB — but not necessarily the one you’re thinking of
Column on how the new era should be judged: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Column on how the new era should be judged: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
January 25, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The Mike McCarthy hire has everything to do with the QB — but not necessarily the one you’re thinking of
Column on how the new era should be judged: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Column on how the new era should be judged: www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Steelers' Mike McCarthy hire has everything to do with the QB — just not the one you're thinking of
Column on today's news and how this decision will (and should) ultimately be judged:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Column on today's news and how this decision will (and should) ultimately be judged:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Steelers’ McCarthy hire has everything to do with a QB, but not the one you’re thinking of
Aaron Rodgers might reunite with his old coach in Pittsburgh, but McCarthy's tenure will be judged by what comes after.
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Steelers' Mike McCarthy hire has everything to do with the QB — just not the one you're thinking of
Column on today's news and how this decision will (and should) ultimately be judged:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Column on today's news and how this decision will (and should) ultimately be judged:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Reposted by Mike DeFabo
Locked on #Steelers Thursday w/Mike DeFabo
- Should they target Klint or Klay Kubiak?
- Benefits of offensive minds in coaching field
- Andy Weidl interviewing w/Falcons?
- Mike's insights into Tomlin's stepping down
Watch/like/subcribe on YouTube:
- Should they target Klint or Klay Kubiak?
- Benefits of offensive minds in coaching field
- Andy Weidl interviewing w/Falcons?
- Mike's insights into Tomlin's stepping down
Watch/like/subcribe on YouTube:
Should Steelers Look Harder at Klint Kubiak, Offensive Coaches? | Inside Mike Tomlin's Stepping Down
The Pittsburgh Steelers' search for a head coach continues. Christopher Carter and Mike DeFabo look at if they should consider Klint Kubiak or other coaches with offensive backgrounds. Other names that have been brought up are Klay Kubiak, Nate Scheelhaase and Mike McCarthy, but how serious are they
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Locked on #Steelers Thursday w/Mike DeFabo
- Should they target Klint or Klay Kubiak?
- Benefits of offensive minds in coaching field
- Andy Weidl interviewing w/Falcons?
- Mike's insights into Tomlin's stepping down
Watch/like/subcribe on YouTube:
- Should they target Klint or Klay Kubiak?
- Benefits of offensive minds in coaching field
- Andy Weidl interviewing w/Falcons?
- Mike's insights into Tomlin's stepping down
Watch/like/subcribe on YouTube:
You’ve read my thoughts on the Steelers’ coaching search. Now it’s time to talk to the experts: The writers who cover them every day.
Here’s a deeper dive into the candidates: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Here’s a deeper dive into the candidates: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
A deeper dive into the Steelers’ leading head coach candidates
The Athletic's beat writers share their insights on the coaches the Steelers are considering.
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:18 PM
You’ve read my thoughts on the Steelers’ coaching search. Now it’s time to talk to the experts: The writers who cover them every day.
Here’s a deeper dive into the candidates: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Here’s a deeper dive into the candidates: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
This week on The Yinziders:
The Steelers coaching search is well underway. @jennaharner.bsky.social and I take a deep dive into the candidates.
Subscribe/ like/ tell your friends
m.youtube.com/watch?v=saU6...
The Steelers coaching search is well underway. @jennaharner.bsky.social and I take a deep dive into the candidates.
Subscribe/ like/ tell your friends
m.youtube.com/watch?v=saU6...
Steelers coaching search heating up — breaking down the candidates
YouTube video by The Yinziders
m.youtube.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:14 PM
This week on The Yinziders:
The Steelers coaching search is well underway. @jennaharner.bsky.social and I take a deep dive into the candidates.
Subscribe/ like/ tell your friends
m.youtube.com/watch?v=saU6...
The Steelers coaching search is well underway. @jennaharner.bsky.social and I take a deep dive into the candidates.
Subscribe/ like/ tell your friends
m.youtube.com/watch?v=saU6...
The Steelers have completed an in-person interview with Brian Flores, their first meeting in Pittsburgh with a candidate.
Next up: Mike McCarthy on Wednesday and Anthony Weaver on Friday.
Follow out tracker for more.
(And yes, I know this pic isn't Flores).
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Next up: Mike McCarthy on Wednesday and Anthony Weaver on Friday.
Follow out tracker for more.
(And yes, I know this pic isn't Flores).
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Steelers coaching search tracker: Brian Flores, Anthony Weaver set for in-person interviews
Brian Flores, Jesse Minter, Anthony Weaver, Nate Scheelhaase and Chris Shula are also set to interview.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:44 PM
The Steelers have completed an in-person interview with Brian Flores, their first meeting in Pittsburgh with a candidate.
Next up: Mike McCarthy on Wednesday and Anthony Weaver on Friday.
Follow out tracker for more.
(And yes, I know this pic isn't Flores).
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Next up: Mike McCarthy on Wednesday and Anthony Weaver on Friday.
Follow out tracker for more.
(And yes, I know this pic isn't Flores).
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
The Steelers have begun in-person interviews for their next head coach. Here's what league sources told @diannarussini.bsky.social and me.
Today: Brian Flores
Wednesday: Mike McCarthy
Friday: Anthony Weaver
They've also completed six additional virtual interviews
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Today: Brian Flores
Wednesday: Mike McCarthy
Friday: Anthony Weaver
They've also completed six additional virtual interviews
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Steelers coaching search tracker: Brian Flores, Anthony Weaver set for in-person interviews
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:54 PM
The Steelers have begun in-person interviews for their next head coach. Here's what league sources told @diannarussini.bsky.social and me.
Today: Brian Flores
Wednesday: Mike McCarthy
Friday: Anthony Weaver
They've also completed six additional virtual interviews
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Today: Brian Flores
Wednesday: Mike McCarthy
Friday: Anthony Weaver
They've also completed six additional virtual interviews
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...