Longtime Steelers assistant John Mitchell retiring at 71
February 15, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach John Mitchell retired on Wednesday after nearly three decades with the club.
The 71-year-old Mitchell won two Super Bowl rings in 29 seasons with the Steelers after first joining Bill Cowher's staff in 1994 as a defensive line coach.
NFL Commissioner Goodell tackles diversity, concussions
February 9, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — From diversity to concussions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the league is still looking for improvement.
As for officiating, he says: “it’s never been better.”
Goodell addressed those topics and more, including the Washington Commanders’ investigation, flex scheduling and international play in his annual Super Bowl news conference Wednesday.
Blaine Stewart, son of former coach, named WVU assistant
January 21, 2023 GMTMORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Blaine Stewart has been named tight ends coach at West Virginia.
Coach Neal Brown announced Stewart's hiring Friday.
Stewart is the son of the late Bill Stewart, who was head coach of the Mountaineers from 2008-10.
Brian Flores interviews with Browns to run their defense
January 12, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Brian Flores landed in the AFC North last season. He might be ready to make a move inside the division.
Flores, who joined coach Mike Tomlin's staff in Pittsburgh following his messy departure in Miami, is interviewing with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday to be their new defensive coordinator.
Strong finish has Steelers optimistic heading into 2023
January 9, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Sixteen years in, Mike Tomlin still hasn't endured a losing season in Pittsburgh.
As much as the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach appreciates the way his team rallied down the stretch to end up 9-8, he also couldn't care less that his record streak — the most consecutive seasons of finishing .500 or better to start a head coaching career in NFL history — remains intact.
Steelers still eyeing playoffs as Browns visit in finale
January 6, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — When November began, the Pittsburgh Steelers were lifeless and listless at 2-6, searching for a chance to get back to “respectability,” as longtime coach Mike Tomlin put it.
The Steelers did more than that over the following two months.
Pickett’s patience, poise help fuel Steelers’ late surge
January 4, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Technically, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett's middle name is Shane.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, however, appeared to give Pickett a new middle moniker in the giddy aftermath of Pickett's last-minute game-winning touchdown pass to Najee Harris on Baltimore last Sunday that kept Pittsburgh's slim playoff hopes alive.
Tomlin’s resolve, Pickett’s progress fueling Steelers’ rally
January 2, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the better part of three hours on Sunday night simply asking Kenny Pickett to not lose, essentially taking the ball out of their rookie quarterback's hands for long stretches with their season on the line in Baltimore.
Pickett rising to the moment as the Steelers keep hope alive
December 26, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent most of the past two-plus months asking rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett to simply not lose games.
His marching orders from coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Matt Canada were simple.
Steelers honor Franco Harris by rallying past Raiders 13-10
December 25, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin wasn't ready to go there, with all due respect.
Yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach understands the symmetry between Saturday night's 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and a playoff victory over the same franchise 50 years ago, the one that ended with Steelers running back Franco Harris snagging a deflected pass and sprinting into NFL lore with what's universally known as “The Immaculate Reception.”
Raiders-Steelers will be bittersweet after Harris’ death
December 23, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — December. Cold. High(-ish) stakes.
In some ways, it's the same as it ever was for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Yet what was supposed to be a celebration of one of the iconic plays in NFL history and the man who authored it will be bittersweet on Saturday night when the Steelers (6-8) host the Raiders (6-8).
Steelers expect QB Kenny Pickett to start against Raiders
December 20, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett should leave the concussion protocol this week, clearing the way for him to start on Saturday against Las Vegas.
Pickett did not play in Sunday's 24-16 victory over Carolina after sustaining his second concussion in two months early in a loss to Baltimore on Dec.
Trubisky solid, Steelers’ D shuts down Panthers in 24-16 win
December 19, 2022 GMTCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Mitch Trubisky knew his grasp on the Steelers' starting quarterback job was tenuous at best when he took the field on Sunday.
But the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft turned in one of the steadier performances of his NFL career, throwing for 179 yards and engineering three long touchdown drives as Pittsburgh held on to beat Carolina 24-16.
QB Pickett doubtful, replacement undecided for Steelers
December 16, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett remained in the concussion protocol on Friday and is doubtful to play on Sunday when the Steelers visit Carolina.
Pickett, who left last Sunday's loss to Baltimore in the first quarter, was limited in practice all week.
Pickett’s status uncertain after 2nd concussion in 8 weeks
December 13, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett's status for this week's visit to Carolina is uncertain after entering the concussion protocol for the second time in two months.
Pickett was pulled from a 16-14 loss to Baltimore last Sunday in the first quarter after showing signs of a concussion.
Steelers’ Pickett exits, returns, then placed in protocol
December 11, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he didn't know “the details regarding the sequence” that led to rookie quarterback Kenny Picket initially being cleared to play before being put into concussion protocol during a 16-14 loss to Baltimore on Sunday.
New faces, familiar stakes as Steelers host the Ravens
December 8, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The faces on the field keep changing. The stakes when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens meet do not.
Especially in December.
Ben Roethlisberger's retired. Lamar Jackson is hurt.
Harris, running game gives Steelers offense an identity
December 5, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — When he’s at his best, Najee Harris is a blunt instrument. Powerful. Decisive. Destructive. Capable of imposing his will — usually in the form of a stiff arm — whenever the mood strikes.
Steelers go for first winning streak of season vs Falcons
December 1, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing out the season with some very un-Steelers-like goals.
A winning streak would be a start.
Perhaps a late spurt to avoid coach Mike Tomlin's first losing season.
Steelers RB Harris misses practice with abdominal injury
November 30, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris did not practice on Wednesday, two days after sustaining an abdominal injury in a win over Indianapolis.
Harris went down late in the first half in a 24-17 victory over the Colts and did not return.
Pickett making steady if not flashy progress for Steelers
November 29, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Kenny Pickett is not going to blow opponents away with arm strength.
Or speed. Or stature. Or flawless decision-making. Or a quick release.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback's greatest strength may be his ability to be greater than the sum of his parts, a trait that was on full display during Monday night's 24-17 victory over Indianapolis.
Snell runs for go-ahead TD, Steelers hold off Colts 24-17
November 29, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Benny Snell Jr. kept waiting for his first carry of the season.
When he finally got the chance, in Week 12 during prime time, Snell showed everyone what he could do.
He ran for 62 yards, scored the go-ahead touchdown with 9:55 left and then watched as his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates fended off a last-minute comeback bid to beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-17 on Monday night.
Steelers defense coming up short against quality opponents
November 21, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin chooses his words carefully and intentionally. There's a reason over the summer that he used “dominant” to describe what he expected out of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in 2022.
Steelers hope Watt’s return provides a spark as Saints visit
November 10, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin is not ready to bail on 2022, even as the reality that at 2-6 the Pittsburgh Steelers have dug themselves a hole so deep it's difficult to imagine they dig out in time to be anything other than a spoiler down the stretch.
Steelers optimistic star LB T.J. Watt will return vs. Saints
November 8, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers could get a much-needed jolt as they begin the second half of their season.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the team is optimistic that star outside linebacker T.J.
Watt’s injury altered Steelers path to contention in 2022
November 7, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The path to contention for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 was always going to be narrow.
It almost always is for a team in its first season after a franchise quarterback walks out the door for the final time.
Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett learning on the job
November 3, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers tried to bring Kenny Pickett along slowly. Let their rookie quarterback learn quietly behind the scenes and out of the spotlight in an effort not to give him too much too soon.
New CB Jackson ready to hit ground running with Steelers
November 2, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — William Jackson thought he'd make it to Pittsburgh a long time ago.
The veteran NFL cornerback met with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and other members of the staff before the 2016 draft and walked out of it thinking there was a strong chance he'd end up in black and gold by the end of the first round.
‘End of the road’ indeed as Steelers limp into bye reeling
October 31, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Boyz II Men classic “End of the Road” blared through the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room last week, a selection made by designated club deejay Marcus Allen, who frequently turns the speaker near his locker up to 11 after practice.
Steelers star LB T.J. Watt nearing a return from pec injury
October 28, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — T.J. Watt is watching from the sideline in sweatpants and wearing a headset, trying to keep track of a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that desperately misses his menace and production.
Steelers enduring short-term pain, eye long-term growth
October 24, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin had an out if he was looking for one a week ago. Kenny Pickett was in the concussion protocol. Mitch Trubisky had come off the bench and played well in an upset win against Tampa Bay.
Steelers WR Johnson: no issues with Trubisky after dust-up
October 19, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson says he and quarterback Mitch Trubisky are fine following a confrontation at halftime of a loss to the New York Jets earlier this month.
Steelers QB Pickett to play if he clears concussion protocol
October 18, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will practice on Wednesday and will play next Sunday night against Miami if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol.
Win over Bucs gives Steelers welcome dose of optimism
October 17, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin wasn't kidding when he said it would take more than one good performance to cure what's ailing the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Maybe, but it certainly beats the alternative: another week with offensive coordinator Matt Canada under siege and Pittsburgh's season spiraling downward.
Sputtering Steelers scrambling for an offensive spark
October 13, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Six years ago, near the end of a remarkable season in which he put together a University of Pittsburgh offense that broke school records and pulled off stunning — and high-scoring — upsets of Penn State and Clemson, Matt Canada wasn't exactly joking when he said his long-term goal was to make enough money to open a bar, preferably one with the beach nearby.
Tomlin: Steelers need to work back toward ‘respectability’
October 11, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The hole the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in is basically unprecedented during Mike Tomlin's long and largely successful tenure.
Five games into the season, the Steelers (1-4) are injury-plagued and toothless on defense.
No quick fixes for Steelers, Tomlin during nightmarish start
October 10, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — For nearly two decades the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed immune to the realities of the NFL.
Seasons came, seasons went. And the Steelers stayed relevant. In the mix. A factor even as the fortunes of their AFC North rivals — Baltimore chief among them — and the vast majority of the rest of the league rose and fell and rose again, just the way it's supposed to work under the salary cap.
Pickett shows fire, Steelers defense sags in 38-3 loss
October 10, 2022 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Kenny Pickett showed he could take some licks and stand up for himself in his NFL starting debut.
The injury-depleted Steelers defense, however, couldn’t withstand an offensive onslaught from the Buffalo Bills.
Steelers confirm T.J. Watt had knee surgery
October 9, 2022 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ top pass-rushing threat T.J. Watt had arthroscopic knee surgery, which is expected to further delay his return while being sidelined by a pectoral injury.
Kenny Pickett will be Steelers’ starting QB vs. Bills
October 4, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin never had a definitive timeline on when to hand the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense to Kenny Pickett.
If anything, Tomlin wanted to delay a move that seemed inevitable from the moment the Steelers drafted Pickett with the 20th overall pick six months ago.
Turning to Pickett was inevitable for struggling Steelers
October 3, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin tried to keep the moment at bay as long as he could.
Mitch Trubisky did too while gamely — if futilely — enduring what quickly became a weekly referendum on his ability to hang onto the starting quarterback job in Pittsburgh during a slow start.
Pickett sparks Steelers, but it’s not enough in loss to Jets
October 2, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Kenny Pickett provided a brief second-half spark for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A couple fourth-quarter turnovers and a defensive meltdown allowed the New York Jets to rally late and escape with a 24-20 victory Sunday.
Tomlin, Steelers in no mood to panic as offense sputters
September 27, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — There are plenty of people concerned with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, including a significant chunk of the players whose job it is to make it go.
Trubisky, Steelers searching for spark after loss to Pats
September 19, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for a spark.
The offense struggled for the second consecutive week, while the defense held firm at times without star outside linebacker T.J.
Steelers place star LB T.J. Watt on injured reserve
September 15, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers placed star outside linebacker T.J. Watt on injured reserve Thursday, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games while recovering from a left pectoral injury.
Steelers RB Harris says he expects to play against Pats
September 14, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Steelers running back Najee Harris expects to be available when Pittsburgh welcomes New England on Sunday.
Harris injured his left foot late in last week's 23-20 overtime victory over Cincinnati and was replaced by rookie undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren.
Steelers star TJ Watt out at least 1 game with pec injury
September 13, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt will miss Sunday's game against New England with a left pectoral injury, though coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic Watt's prognosis isn't as bad as initially feared.
Steelers’ T.J. Watt leaves vs Bengals with pectoral injury
September 12, 2022 GMTCINCINNATI (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers defense began the season Sunday looking like a vulturous force, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt was the chief disruptor.
Then Watt walked off injured in the fourth quarter, his left arm hanging limply at this side, casting serious doubt on when Pittsburgh might look so fearsome again.
Trubisky starting QB, rookie Pickett the backup for Steelers
September 6, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph all impressed Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin during the preseason with their respective accuracy.
If only the same could be said for whoever put together the team's initial depth chart for the 2022 season.
QB won: Steelers newcomer Mitch Trubisky is Week 1 starter
September 5, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin deliberately — and quite effectively — declined to announce a starting quarterback for months, even as all signs pointed to Mitch Trubisky.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' longtime head coach wanted to wait until — as he said over and over and over during the offseason and throughout training camp — the time was “appropriate.”
Tomlin still mum on starting QB as Steelers add LB, lineman
August 30, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin is in no hurry to announce a starting quarterback. Publicly anyway.
The way the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach figures it, placing either Mitch Trubisky or rookie Kenny Pickett atop the depth chart serves no real purpose.
Trubisky makes case for QB job as Steelers top Lions 19-9
August 29, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin will meet with the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers' braintrust before announcing who will be the starting quarterback in Cincinnati in two weeks.
Mitch Trubisky presented a pretty compelling case to make sure the conversation is a short one.
Trubisky has good preseason finale, Steelers beat Lions 19-9
August 28, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mitch Trubisky staked his claim to take over for the retired Ben Roethlisberger, throwing for 160 yards and a touchdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers eased past Detroit 19-9 in the NFL’s preseason finale on Sunday afternoon.
Steelers looking for better O-line play, regardless of QB
August 26, 2022 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin has spent the past month fending off almost daily questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback competition.
Hiring minority coaches in the NFL comes down to owners
August 23, 2022 GMTNo matter how much the NFL pushes teams to hire minority coaches, owners have the final say.
The league established the Rooney Rule in 2003 and has expanded it several times over the years to encourage teams to hire more minority coaches.
Steelers QB Pickett to get more snaps in 2nd preseason game
August 18, 2022 GMTLATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Mike Tomlin wants to see what Kenny Pickett can do against better competition.
After an impressive NFL debut in Pittsburgh's preseason-opening win over Seattle last week that included throwing for the clinching touchdown in the final seconds, the rookie quarterback will see the field far earlier on Saturday when the Steelers visit Jacksonville.
Mitch Trubisky to start at QB in Steelers’ preseason opener
August 11, 2022 GMTLATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Mitch Trubisky will have the first in-game opportunity to state his case at becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback.
Coach Mike Tomlin announced Trubisky as the starter Thursday for the preseason opener Saturday at home against Seattle.
Highsmith seeks to make bigger impact on Steelers defense
August 9, 2022 GMTLATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith wants to make an even bigger impact on the defense this season.
Highsmith starred on the right side during his first full season as a starter.
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is always ready to work
July 28, 2022 GMTKenny Pickett spent even the last few days before heading to his first NFL training camp working on his game.
The rookie first-round pick is competing to succeed Ben Roethlisberger as the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And they’re off! Steelers QB derby begins in earnest
July 27, 2022 GMTLATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Mike Tomlin figures there's already enough unspoken pressure on Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett. He sees no need to add to it. At least not yet.
It's why the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach is in no rush to announce a starting quarterback.