Mike McCarthy is diligently working to assemble his first coaching staff as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a significant move, the Steelers are preparing to interview Jason Simmons, who currently serves as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Washington Commanders, for the role of defensive coordinator.
Simmons, 49, has held his position with the Commanders for the past two seasons, following a stint as the defensive backs/pass game coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders. This season, the Commanders’ defense struggled, ranking last in total defense with an average of 398.9 yards allowed per game, 28th in passing yards surrendered at 242.5, and 27th in points allowed, averaging 26.5 per game.
Previously, Simmons worked under McCarthy during an eight-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers from 2011 to 2018. His various roles included coaching administrator, assistant special teams coach, and secondary coach. After McCarthy’s departure from the Packers, Simmons continued as the defensive backs coach in 2019 under head coach Matt LaFleur.
Interestingly, Simmons’s connection to the Steelers runs deeper, as he was originally drafted by the team in the fifth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played alongside the Steelers for four seasons, mostly in a reserve role, before concluding his playing career with the Houston Texans.
This potential hiring highlights McCarthy’s commitment to leveraging familiar relationships to strengthen the Steelers’ coaching staff and aim for improved defensive performance moving forward. The Steelers’ choice of Simmons could signify a strategic approach as they look to rebuild and enhance their defense.