The Pittsburgh Steelers have many former great players that the fan base believes would be great additions to the current coaching staff. Although he was swift to shut the idea down, many fans had slim hopes that Ben Roethlisberger would become the next offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh before Arthur Smith was hired. Now, Pittsburgh has some open coaching positions on the defensive side, which could bring an opportunity to other former players like James Harrison, one of the franchise's best outside linebackers.
Harrison recently appeared on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson's Nitecap podcast and was asked about the possibility of coaching in the near future. Harrison explained to the duo why he doesn't have an entirely strong desire to coach on a professional level.
"I do not want to coach unless it's my kids. I would be willing to do that if it was my kids," Harrison said to Sharpe and Johnson. "It's a lot of time that goes into it. For me as a player, I put a lot of time in it. But as a coach, you're putting even more time into it. That's not something that I'm willing to do. My love for the game is not that great."
This response from the Steelers all-time great is disappointing, especially considering the recent news that Pittsburgh will be losing middle linebackers coach Aaron Curry. The Steelers still have Denzel Martin as their outside linebackers coach, but getting a former legend like Harrison in the building could still be beneficial. Regardless of Harrison's comments, the Steelers will need to find a new middle linebackers coach.
While Harrison would be an intriguing addition to the Steelers' coaching staff, he typically makes an appearance at summer camps and gives the outside linebackers some tips. Nick Herbig learned a few things from Harrison before the 2024 regular season and he soaked in every second of the opportunity.
Many former legends for the Steelers could bring great ideas to the organization in an effort to get back to winning meaningful games down the stretch. Unfortunately, the Steelers haven't been very willing to spend much money on the coaching staff, despite the now eight-season streak of no playoff wins.
After the way TJ Watt's 2024 campaign finished, Pittsburgh needs new ideas and schematics moving forward. Watt was nearly non-existent in the final stretch of the regular season, and much of that is at the fault of the coaching staff. Harrison has mentioned before about the idea of moving Watt around the defense, which is something to be expected in 2025.
Steelers' Defense Apparently Hasn't Adapted Or Developed Since James Harrison's Playing Day
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelmen recently exposed Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, explaining that they've been running the same defense for years. Edelmen's comments quickly took off and did not help Tomlin's case to remain as the franchise's head coach. Even Roethlisberger, shortly after, claimed that Edelman was speaking the truth about the Steelers. The Steelers need new ideas within the organzation, whether that comes from former players or new coaches.
What do you think about Harrison's comments about his future with coaching? Will we ever see him coaching in the black and gold despite his remarks? If not Harrison, what other former players of the franchise would you like to see be brought in for assistance? Tomlin and the Steelers need help in some fashion, otherwise the same results will appear. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
