The Pittsburgh Steelers have employed a brand new Assistant Particular Groups Coach. Although not formally introduced in a press launch by the crew, per the Steelers’ web site on its entrance workplace web page, Darian Thompson is listed as Pittsburgh’s Particular Groups High quality Management Coach.
Presumably, Thompson replaces Derius Swinton II, with whom the crew parted methods earlier this offseason simply months after his hiring. Mike McCarthy advised reporters he supposed to rent a substitute, and it seems Thompson is the reply.
Thompson performed security within the NFL from 2016-21, showing in 63 video games with 28 begins. He recorded 173 tackles and two interceptions. He logged almost 800 profession particular groups snaps.
Like lots of McCarthy’s hires, Thompson and McCarthy have historical past. Thompson performed for McCarthy in Dallas from 2020-21. In 2020, he appeared in 15 video games with seven begins.
In 2023, McCarthy employed Thompson to function the crew’s Assistant Linebackers and High quality Management coach. In 2025 after McCarthy and the Cowboys parted methods, Thompson was named Dallas’ secondary/nickel coach.
As a participant, McCarthy praised Thompson’s work ethic.
“I’ll say this: He definitely has lived up to his reputation,” McCarthy advised reporters in 2020. “His work ethic, his workload capacity is outstanding. …He’s having a great camp.”
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on S Darian Thompson: “I’ll say this: He definitely has lived up to his reputation. His work ethic, his workload capacity is outstanding. …He’s having a great camp.” Thompson has emerged as favourite to start out in favor of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Thompson was initially a third-round decide of the New York Giants in 2016.
Shortly after McCarthy’s rent, we floated Thompson as a attainable rent as a defensive assistant. That didn’t occur. However Thompson has discovered his approach to Pittsburgh in a distinct function as a particular groups assistant. He’ll work alongside veteran particular groups coach Danny Crossman, who changed the outgoing Danny Smith.
Swinton was reportedly let go after unspecified office misconduct.
In previous years, Pittsburgh’s particular groups’ models have been robust in some areas however weak in others. Chris Boswell has been one of many league’s greatest kickers all through his profession whereas the Steelers’ protection models have usually been robust. Negatively, the crew’s return recreation, particularly on kicks, have been amongst soccer’s worst. Even in a troublesome local weather, punt manufacturing has additionally been lackluster.
