The Pittsburgh Steelers have made an unexpected coaching change before the start of the 2026 season.
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According to multiple reports, the team has parted ways with senior special teams coach Derius Swinton less than four months after hiring him as part of Mike McCarthy's first coaching staff in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have not publicly detailed the reason for the move, though ESPN reported the dismissal was related to alleged workplace misconduct and a violation of team policy.
Swinton joined the organization in February as the top assistant to special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. His departure comes while the Steelers are in the middle of organized team activities.
The veteran coach brought extensive NFL experience to Pittsburgh, having worked with multiple franchises since entering the league in 2009. Most recently, he finished the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, serving as the club's interim special teams coordinator.
The sudden exit creates an unexpected vacancy on McCarthy's staff as he prepares for his first season leading the Steelers.
Pittsburgh entered the offseason facing major changes after longtime coach Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons with the organization. The Steelers then hired McCarthy to guide the franchise into a new era.
One of the biggest moves of that transition was the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who reunited with McCarthy after the pair previously spent years together with the Green Bay Packers.
It remains unclear whether Pittsburgh plans to promote from within or seek an outside candidate to fill Swinton's role as training camp approaches.
