Steelers hiring Montana defensive coordinator to coaching staff

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 21: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is pictured on a helmet during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are constructing one of the largest coaching staffs in team history, and you can keep up with every hire on our assistant coach tracker. The latest hire comes from Montana State University, as Mike McCarthy is adding Montana defensive coordinator Shawn Howe to his staff.

Howe is set to be the team's outside linebackers and edge rushers coach, per Montana Sports.

Montana State defensive coordinator Shawn Howe, who has been with the Bobcats since 2021, is set to coach the outside linebackers and edge defenders with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Story: https://t.co/nQKwHPsiEQpic.twitter.com/iseqHACqiq

- Montana Sports (@montanasports) February 4, 2026

Howe has had stops at USC, Tennessee, and Coastal Carolina, amongst several other stops at the collegiate level. This will be his first NFL coaching job.

Additionally, the Steelers confirmed the hires of five other assistant coaches on Wednesday:

• OC Brian Angelichio
• Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
• DL coach Domata Peko
• Assistant head coach/secondary Joe Whitt Jr.
• Defensive quality control Pat Reilly

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