Former Bengals standout Domata Peko accepts coaching job with Steelers

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 18: Domata Peko #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals entertains the crowd before their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio.The Steelers defeated the Bengals 24-20. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The AFC North coaching world was flipped upside down this offseason with the departure of Kevin Stefanski, John Harbaugh, and even Mike Tomlin.

The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers will all have new head coaches in charge going into the 2026 season.

One former Cincinnati Bengals standout will be joining the new-look Steelers coaching staff, as Mike McCarthy is set to bring in Domata Peko as his defensive line coach.

More coaching movement of note to AFC North fans: The Steelers plan to hire former Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko as defensive line coach, per source.

Peko had been defensive line coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders.

- Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) February 2, 2026

Peko has an incredibly memorable playing career in Cincinnati, one that expressed some hate for the black and gold, but he now will be on their sideline looking to get after Joe Burrow.

Peko joins the Steelers after coaching the defensive line in Boulder under Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.

The former Bengal hasn't been coaching long, with his first coaching gig being in 2024 with Mike Zimmer and the Dallas Cowboys.

It will be tough to see Peko on the other sideline after his 11 years in Cincinnati, but the Steelers clearly have a plan to coach the trenches with a guy who has played plenty of football deep in the AFC North trenches.