Inside the 2026 Steelers: Tight End Opens Up About Mike McCarthy’s Impact on Team Culture
The Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy, and his new coaching staff seem to be adapting and buying into Pittsburgh’s winning culture. The Steelers haven’t had a losing season in over 20 years. The franchise has set the bar high for any new head coach, regardless of experience. McCarthy, who was hired after longtime coach Mike Tomlin stepped down in January, had the challenge of bringing his system to the team while maintaining their culture. This was one of the topics that Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth discussed with Steelers reporters during mandatory minicamp.
Missi Matthews asked Freiermuth, “How has the process been getting acclimated to not only a new coaching staff, but also some new teammates as well?” He replied, “I mean, just like every single year, you go into it with a fresh mind. Obviously, it’s different this year because we have a new head coach and a whole new staff, but they’ve done a great job of blending the culture. We’ve already had an established winning culture in Pittsburgh, and so we’re just looking to add to that. I think the coach has done a great job of implementing his system and his core values into the values we already had in the building. So, it’s been great.”
Mandatory minicamp wrapped up on Thursday. The Steelers have another phase of Organized Team Activities, beginning on Monday, June 8th, and ending on Friday, June 12th. Players report for training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, on Tuesday, July 28th. The first practice that’s open to the public will take place on Wednesday, July 29th. Training camp will give the new coaching staff an extended opportunity to fully evaluate the roster and continue implementing their system.
The changes the team has made during the 2026 offseason have garnered extra attention on how they transition under new leadership. The Steelers are still expected to compete at a high level and become a playoff contender again this season. Freiermuth’s statements are encouraging. However, training camp will be the first real opportunity to see how the new coaching staff can translate their offseason work into on-field production.
