Mike DeFabo
@mikedefabo.bsky.social
Steelers beat writer at The Athletic.
Here's a running list of the known hires on Mike McCarthy's staff:
February 4, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Here's a running list of the known hires on Mike McCarthy's staff:
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? His old playbook holds some clues www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
February 4, 2026 at 5:15 PM
What will Mike McCarthy’s offense look like in Pittsburgh? His old playbook holds some clues www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
This season in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers leaned on many WCO principles -- from his very first throw of the season until the final drive in Week 18.
Here's a variation of the same Dragon concept (CAIII slant/ Gainwell flat) to kickstart the game-winning drive against the Ravens.
Here's a variation of the same Dragon concept (CAIII slant/ Gainwell flat) to kickstart the game-winning drive against the Ravens.
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
This season in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers leaned on many WCO principles -- from his very first throw of the season until the final drive in Week 18.
Here's a variation of the same Dragon concept (CAIII slant/ Gainwell flat) to kickstart the game-winning drive against the Ravens.
Here's a variation of the same Dragon concept (CAIII slant/ Gainwell flat) to kickstart the game-winning drive against the Ravens.
When Mike McCarthy took over play calling in Dallas in 2023, he turned his West Coast offense into the Texas Coast offense with many "college" concepts like the read-option, RPOs, tempo, no-huddle and motion.
Still, many of the WCO staples, like Dragon (slant/flat), remained.
Still, many of the WCO staples, like Dragon (slant/flat), remained.
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
When Mike McCarthy took over play calling in Dallas in 2023, he turned his West Coast offense into the Texas Coast offense with many "college" concepts like the read-option, RPOs, tempo, no-huddle and motion.
Still, many of the WCO staples, like Dragon (slant/flat), remained.
Still, many of the WCO staples, like Dragon (slant/flat), remained.
In Green Bay, McCarthy's WCO philosophy and Aaron Rodgers' strong, accurate arm led to seven Pro Bowl appearances, two MVP awards and a Super Bowl victory in 13 years.
Here during Rodgers' 2014 MVP season, he's running the Dragon concept (Jordy Nelson slant/ Randall Cobb flat).
Here during Rodgers' 2014 MVP season, he's running the Dragon concept (Jordy Nelson slant/ Randall Cobb flat).
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
In Green Bay, McCarthy's WCO philosophy and Aaron Rodgers' strong, accurate arm led to seven Pro Bowl appearances, two MVP awards and a Super Bowl victory in 13 years.
Here during Rodgers' 2014 MVP season, he's running the Dragon concept (Jordy Nelson slant/ Randall Cobb flat).
Here during Rodgers' 2014 MVP season, he's running the Dragon concept (Jordy Nelson slant/ Randall Cobb flat).
Find us in Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0YHy...
YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Mike McCarthy rounds out Steelers staff + insight from a writer who covered him in Dallas
Podcast Episode · The Yinziders · 02/04/2026 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Find us in Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0YHy...
YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD2...
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is closing and a lot of personal friends are losing jobs. The Washington Post is in the midst of massive layoffs. The entire journalism industry is collapsing. Either decide you want to support it or move on. Stop acting personally offended I’m trying to make a living
January 26, 2026 at 1:52 PM
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is closing and a lot of personal friends are losing jobs. The Washington Post is in the midst of massive layoffs. The entire journalism industry is collapsing. Either decide you want to support it or move on. Stop acting personally offended I’m trying to make a living