The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Texas Tech’s outside linebackers coach, C.J. Ah You, to fill the same position on their staff, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. This move adds to the depth of the Steelers’ coaching roster as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Ah You joining alongside Montana State defensive coordinator Shaun Howe, who also serves as an outside linebackers coach for the team.
Ah You’s Coaching Background and NFL Experience
C.J. Ah You comes into this role with a growing reputation earned through his work with promising NFL draft prospects such as David Bailey and Romello Height. His coaching proficiency has made him a notable figure within football circles. Ah You’s NFL experience includes playing as a seventh-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, where he competed for the Rams and Bills until 2011. Post-retirement, he entered coaching as a special teams assistant at Oklahoma in 2015.
During his coaching career, Ah You has advanced steadily through various positions, including defensive line coach at Vanderbilt and quality control analyst at USC. Since 2022, he has led the outside linebackers at Texas Tech before earning this promotion to the NFL level.
Competitive Hiring Process and Outside Influence
The Steelers were not the only NFL team interested in Ah You; the Dallas Cowboys also interviewed him for their outside linebackers coach position. Dallas has explored multiple candidates, including former Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin. Despite this interest from the Cowboys, the Steelers secured Ah You’s services, adding new talent to their coaching ranks.
Notably, this hire does not appear to be influenced by Mike McCarthy’s existing connections, indicating the Steelers’ willingness to look beyond their usual networks to acquire promising coaching talent.
Implications for the Steelers’ Defensive Coaching Front
Adding C.J. Ah You enhances the Steelers’ outside linebackers coaching staff, pairing him with Shaun Howe to bolster player development at this key defensive position. Ah You’s record of developing NFL-caliber players suggests he could have a positive impact on the team’s defensive prospects. His arrival signals the Steelers’ commitment to nurturing emerging coaching talent as they aim to strengthen their defensive unit for future seasons.
