For the first time in nearly two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers are conducting training camp without Mike Tomlin as head coach. New head coach Mike McCarthy, who was introduced by owner Art Rooney II on Jan. 27, is implementing a modern approach
for the defending AFC North champions at their 59th training camp at Saint Vincent College, according to the Post Gazette.
Steelers Shift Training Camp Approach Under Mike McCarthy
The most significant departure from the previous era is the total ban on live tackling during training camp. While the Tomlin era was characterized by physicality, including thunderous collisions and the highly anticipated backs-on-backers drill, McCarthy has decided there will be no live tackling at all during camp practices.
McCarthy, who is entering his 19th season as an NFL head coach, stated that the decision is a judgment call to reduce risk and prevent injuries. He noted that the team will still be able to achieve its goals through other methods, specifically citing team drills and tackling drills. According to Steelers.com, the team will save full-contact physicality for preseason games against opponents.
Changes to Practice Schedule and Philosophy
Beyond the removal of live tackling, McCarthy has altered the daily timing of camp. While Mike Tomlin typically started practices at 3 p.m. to use the heat as a way to steel player resolve, McCarthy is scheduling practices for 11 a.m.
McCarthy attributed this preference for regularity and morning productivity to the way his father, Joe, raised him in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The new schedule begins with the first team meeting at 7:30 a.m., followed by the morning practice. After lunch, the team meets again to review practice video and conducts a field walkthrough before players are released for the night.
Linebacker T.J. Watt described the experience as feeling like the first day of school,
noting that while the facilities and dorms remain the same, the new schedule and players keep the environment fresh, according to TribLIVE.com.
A New Coaching Profile in Pittsburgh
McCarthy represents a historical shift for the franchise; he is the first Steelers head coach in more than 50 years hired with an offensive background. His predecessors—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin—all served as defensive coordinators or assistants before taking the head coaching role.
This offensive focus is evident in McCarthy’s management style. According to Steelernation, McCarthy focuses heavily on the quarterback group and allows his assistant coaches more autonomy in their respective roles compared to the previous regime.
Roster Competition and Health Updates
Despite the reduction in practice collisions, McCarthy emphasized that the expectation for competition remains high. He stated that players must establish their place and that the team must work to earn the identity the Steelers established in the 1970s.
General Manager Omar Khan and McCarthy are currently managing a roster that includes four quarterbacks. A key focus for the camp is the offensive line, specifically fourth-year tackle Broderick Jones. Jones, who finished last season on the reserve/injured list due to a neck issue, has been cleared for practice. McCarthy described Jones as a starter-level player
with position flexibility, though the team intends to be smart about how he is worked back into the lineup.
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